Skeptics Guide #978

The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe Skepticast #978 April 2nd 2024 Segment #1. Quickie with Bob Silicon spikes https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240326103936.htm Segment #2. News Items News Item #1 – Havana Syndrome https://theness.com/neurologicablog/what-to-make-of-havana-syndrome/ News Item #2 – Robo Taxis in NY https://www.popsci.com/technology/nyc-robotaxis-driverless/ News Item #3 – Rebellions and Cultural Memory chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w29182/w29182.pdf News Item #4 – Gravitational Waves and Human Life https://phys.org/news/2024-03-gravitational-human-life.html Segment #3. Who’s That Noisy Segment #4. Your Questions and E-mails Question #1: Evolution of Gullibility Great show, but everyone says that. Nevertheless, it is. My question - what's the evolutionary benefit of gullibility? My premises - 1. There appears to be a long history of received wisdom about how the world works. E.g. 'it is what it is'. That goes back in written texts at least as far as Gilgamesh, and therefore probably further. 2. This trait, despite on the face of it inclining towards "not very useful, because, well, reality dude" has survived and flourishes. 3. Traits can survive without being useful if they're not harmful, but given the small percentage of skeptics, it suggests an advantage. 4. Given this, is there an evolutionary benefit to gullibility? And if so, what? Asking for a friend 😉 Keep it up guys, seriously. Lots of us out here admire what you do... Kind Regards Malcolm 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: Eggs Item 1: By weight the egg white is >90% protein, while the egg yolk is >90% fat. Item 2: Easter egger chickens are a breed that can lay eggs which are yellow, blue, green, cream, or even pink. Item 3: In the US eggs must be refrigerated once harvested and cleaned, while in Europe eggs are stored at room temperature. Segment #6. Skeptical Quote of the Week “As always in life, people want a simple answer . . . and it’s always wrong.” - Susan Greenfield, Neurochemist currently researching Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.