Skeptics Guide #970

The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe Skepticast #970 February 7th 2024 Segment #1. What’s the Word Cardinal Segment #2. News Items News Item #1 – New Class of Microbes Found https://www.sciencealert.com/obelisks-entirely-new-class-of-life-has-been-found-in-the-human-digestive-system News Item #2 – SLIM Lunar Tech https://www.space.com/slim-lunar-lander-technology-technology-future-missions News Item #3 – Misinformation and Wellness Influencers https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/the-menace-of-wellness-influencers/ News Item #4 – Super Earth in Habitable Zone https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/story?id=106961506 News Item #5 – Climate Change and Storms https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/hurricanes/we-may-need-a-new-category-6-hurricane-level-for-winds-over-192-mph-study-suggests Segment #3. Who’s That Noisy Segment #4. Name That Logical Fallacy I can't recall ever hearing this debate tactic talked about on the show before. It's quite possible it has been brought up, just that I don't remember a name being put to it. So if it has been discussed, without a name, maybe that's why I don't remember it. This youtube video is the first time I can remember having a name put to this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FK4RHzNHZXY&ab_channel=InnuendoStudios But I have seen people use this "Reverse Gish-Gallop" used all the time. I think a good example of this is when debating ANYTHING regarding common sense gun control, a 2nd amendment nut will point to the tiniest little mistake in your reference to any firearm, and then say something like "Since you don't know the difference between a swing arm lever and a coil spring lock on a 1964 1911 Smith and Wesson, then you are a moron and can't possibly comment on anything gun related!" Just thought if this has never been discussed before, it would be relevant segment on the show. Thanks, Mike 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: Shark Week Item 1: The age of most sharks can be accurately estimated by counting growth rings on their vertebrae. Item 2: Sharks as a group have poor vision, relying instead on their sense of smell and special electroreceptor organs that can sense electromagnetic fields. Item 3: Most sharks have to swim to get oxygen, but benthic sharks are able to pump water through their spiracles (small holes behind their eyes) and over their gills so they can breathe without swimming. Segment #6. Skeptical Quote of the Week “I don’t wish to be without my brains, tho’ they doubtless interfere with a blind faith which would be very comfortable.” — Ada Lovelace