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Biology Physics Science

Sunday’s science question: Can You Survive in Space Without a Spacesuit?

The answer, apparently, is yes, but only for a very short time. I guess the whole exploding heads thing when people are exposed to vacuum (Outland) or just the very low atmospheric pressure on Mars (Total Recall) is a bit of an exaggeration.

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Biology Evolution Humor Medicine Science

DNA: Could It Happen to You?

For those of you who missed it, Steve Colbert explains what DNA is with Twisty the DNA Helix: DNA: It’s what makes you you. I do have to admit, though, that it irritated me when Colbert referred to DNA as a “wonder protein” even though I’m sure it was part of the joke…

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Complementary and alternative medicine Friday Woo Medicine Pseudoscience Quackery Science Skepticism/critical thinking

Your Friday Dose of Woo: A homeopathic journal club

So, after nearly two weeks of torturing myself trying to put together an R01-level grant on short notice and make it actually competitive, I’m finally free. The grant has been submitted (amazingly, the online submission process went through without a hitch), and, sleep-deprived but still hopped up on the Sudafed that kept the mucus membranes […]

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Announcements Complementary and alternative medicine Evolution Medicine Quackery Science Skepticism/critical thinking

The 67th Meeting of the Skeptics’ Circle: The Giant Robot Edition

Yes! As intelligent and powerful as he is, Orac has always lacked something, and that’s mobility. He’s always been more or less at the mercy of the humans with whom he travels when it comes to locomotion. In short, being a clear box of blinking lights, he has to be carried everywhere, sometimes in a […]

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Complementary and alternative medicine Medicine Paranormal Pareidolia Pseudoscience Quackery Religion Science Skepticism/critical thinking

The Enemies of Reason, Part I: Slaves to Superstition

It’s here, and it’s on Google Video. I watched it last night, and it was a blistering attack on the irrationality that is so common in our society: Part I begins with Richard Dawkins sitting in on some sort of New Age chanting ceremony (the discomfited look on his face is priceless to watch), after […]