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Calling All Aliens
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The idea that the universe is made of tiny vibrating strings was once the science theory du jour. String theory promised to unite the disparate theories describing particles and gravity, and many people, not just scientists, were optimistic that a theory of everything might be within our grasp. But here we are, many years later, and string theory doesn’t seem to have delivered on its initial promise. What happened? We consider the science around string theory in this episode of Skeptic Check.
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When Machines Rule
Every year, computing machines become more powerful, a fact that hasn’t escaped the notice of anyone who occupies an office. Many experts now agree that within a few decades, your laptop will be smarter than you are. Not only that, but your computer will be in touch with its byte-busting… Listen ⇢
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Sigh. It’s Science
Is the public interested in science? The signs aren’t encouraging. The Hubble Telescope teeters on the edge of breakdown, and the public’s response is lukewarm. Science coverage in the media continues to shrink like cheap cotton… and science superstars on TV or in the movies are as rare as lanthanum.… Listen ⇢
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Skeptical Sunday: The Science of Indiana Jones
He looks great in a fedora – we’ll give him that. But surviving a tumble over three 100-foot waterfalls… or toughing out an atomic blast by climbing into a refrigerator? We love Indy, but his exploits seem to be over the top when it comes to elementary physics. From hovercrafts… Listen ⇢
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Aging: Stop Right There!
Imagine if aging were a disease like measles, one that could be cured. Some scientists think it’s possible and that we’ll eventually halt – or at least slow – the march of time and extend lifespans into the triple digits and beyond. 100 could become the new 40, and 1000… Listen ⇢
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Robots on the Move
They can walk, roll, swim, and even dance to that funky music. Okay, so they’re a little stiff on that one. But today’s robots are not content to just sit and hum in a corner – they’re movers and groovers, and not only on this planet. We’ll go to the… Listen ⇢
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Here’s an Idea!
Do you have some imagination? What about junk; got any of that? Thomas Edison said you need both to be an inventor. And Tom could speak with authority about switching on innovation’s light bulb. Find out who today’s inventors are and which devices will be changing the way we live.… Listen ⇢
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Skeptical Sunday: You Sure About That?
We all have something we feel certain about; the Sun will rise, the sky is blue and dried egg is hard to remove from shag carpet. You may feel strongly about these things – even swear by them; but that doesn’t make them true, only that your neurochemistry is in… Listen ⇢
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Order and Chaos
Like your stomach subjected to repeated $1.99 buffets, the universe is ever-expanding. As it grows, it inexorably becomes more chaotic. We’ll hear what drives this increase in entropy, and whether there can be meaning in a universe that will ultimately become no more than a dark soup of cold particles.… Listen ⇢
