Episode #401
News Items
Who's That Noisy
- Answer to last week: Voyager golden record
Science or Fiction
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Item #1
Science
Scientists have successfully tested a coal combustion process that extracts energy from coal without burning it while capturing 99% of the carbon dioxide produced. http://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/ef400010s
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Item #2
Fiction
A new study finds that eye injuries from laser pointers have been increasing, with over 500 reported cases in 2012 in the US. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130320135929.htm http://www.laserpointersafety.com/perspectives/risks/risks.html
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Item #3
Science
A recent analysis of published English-language books shows a steady trend toward decreasing use of emotional words throughout the 20th century. http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0059030
Skeptical Quote of the Week.
“I appear as a skeptic, who believes that doubt is the great engine, the great fuel of all inquiry, all discovery and all innovation.’ - Christopher Hitchens