Skeptics Guide #790

The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe Skepticast #790 August 25th, 2020 Segment #1. COVID-19 Update https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/does-convalescent-plasma-work-against-covid-19-who-knows/ Segment #2. News Items News Item #1 – Recyclable Plastic https://www.newscientist.com/article/2252265-a-new-type-of-plastic-may-be-the-first-that-is-infinitely-recyclable/# News Item #2 – Honey Cure https://www.livescience.com/does-honey-cure-colds-coughs.html News Item #3 – Super Endurance https://www.slashgear.com/known-enzyme-may-be-key-to-unlocking-super-endurance-in-humans-15633563/ News Item #4 – Supernova and Mass Extinction https://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/supernova-mass-extinction/ Segment #3: Who’s That Noisy Segment #4: Your Questions and E-mails Question #1: Apolloneuro Lately I’ve been seeing ads for this product plastered all over my social media. It claims to help you fall asleep by... vibrating the skin on your ankle? They also make a lot of claims about being developed by top neuroscientists and being backed by research and clinical trials (that they’re conveniently not allowed to share just yet). Is there any plausibility to this at all or is it total BS? https://apolloneuro.com/how-it-works/ Matthew Segment #5. Science or Fiction Each week our host will come up with three science news items or facts, two genuine, one fictitious. He will challenge our panel of skeptics to sniff out the fake – and you can play along. Theme: Bird Misconceptions #1) Birds knees do not bend backward relative to humans; the backward bending joint is, in fact, their ankle. #2) Birds are unable to digest rice, which will collect and expand in their GI system, potentially leading to death. #3) Penguins are found only in the Southern Hemisphere, but in many locations, including in the Galapagos near the equator. Answer: Segment #6. Skeptical Quote of the Week "Open-mindedness is about being open to changing your mind in light of new evidence. It’s about detaching from your beliefs and focusing on unbiased thinking void of self-interest. It’s about being open to constructive criticism and new ideas. People who are sceptical do all of this as well—they challenge ideas and they withhold judgment until sufficient evidence is provided—they are open to all possibilities until sufficient evidence is presented." Christopher Dwyer, Ph.D., author of "Critical Thinking: Conceptual Perspectives and Practical Guidelines"