We often hear fantastic scientific claims that would change everything if true. Such as the report that algae is growing on the outside of the International Space Station or that engineers have built a rocket that requires no propellant to accelerate. We examine news stories that seem too sensational to be valid, yet just might be – including whether a killer asteroid has Earth’s name on it.
Plus, a journalist investigates why people hold on to their beliefs even when the evidence is stacked hard against them – from skepticism about climate change to Holocaust denial. And, why professional skeptics are just as enamored with their beliefs as anyone else.
Guests:
Lynn Rothschild – Evolutionary biologist and astrobiologist at NASA Ames Research Center
Will Storr – Journalist, author of The Unpersuadables: Adventures with the Enemies of Science
Steven Novella – Assistant professor, Yale University School of Medicine, host of the “Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe” podcast
David Morrison – Director of the Carl Sagan Center for the Study of Life in the Universe, SETI Institute
Descripción en español
This episode was tagged with: biology astrobiology cosmology astronomy engineering physics culture history skepticism
The Crater Good
100% Invisible
Cosmic Conundra
Martian Madness
NAI
