The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe

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3: straw man – refers to men who stood outside courthouses with a straw in their shoe in order to indicate their willingness to be a false witness

While the exact etymology of straw man isn’t clear, the story about straw in the shoes is a myth.

Learn more about each item on episode 369!

Results:
Discord: 63%
Instagram: 48%
Bluesky: 47%
Facebook: 50%
Threads: 40%
Twitter: 50%
Rogues: 25%

4: nuts – from nuts, meaning a source of pleasure

3: straw man – refers to men who stood outside courthouses with a straw in their shoe in order to indicate their willingness to be a false witness

2: bogus – a machine used to make counterfeit bills or coins

1: claptrap – a trick used to ‘catch’ applause from the audience

Today’s Science or Fiction throwback is from 2012 and we have a theme – etymology. Guess which is the fictional word origin by liking the post in this thread with your answer choice!

#scienceorfiction

Happy Thanksgiving from the SGU to you!

This Thanksgiving, we want to thank everyone who has supported us over 20 years of podcasting and everyone who has joined us in our mission to promote science, skepticism, and critical thinking. We couldn't do this without you!

Learn more about each item on episode 522!

Results:
Discord: 15%
Instagram: 14%
Bluesky: 4%
Facebook: 13%
Threads: 17%
Twitter: 35%
Rogues: 33%

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1: A recent study finds that grey squirrels are capable of solving complex puzzles, rivaling primates.

Despite the headlines, squirrels were not solving complex puzzles, but did show some learning when researchers hid foods in consistent patterns.

3: A new technique allows examiners to extend the window in which the time of death can be accurately determined from 36 hours to 240 hours.

2: A large genetic analysis finds that increased genetic diversity is associated with being taller and smarter.

1: A recent study finds that grey squirrels are capable of solving complex puzzles, rivaling primates.

1: A recent study finds that grey squirrels are capable of solving complex puzzles, rivaling primates. 2: A large genetic analysis finds that increased genetic diversity is associated with being taller and smarter. 3: A new technique allows examiners to extend the window in which the time of death can be accurately determined from 36 hours to 240 hours.

Science or Fiction time! Guess the fiction from 2015 by liking the post in this thread with your answer choice.

Happy Halloween from the SGU! 💀🎃👻

Learn more about each item on episode 266!

Results:
Discord: 47%
Instagram: 40%
Bluesky: 72%
Facebook: 58%
Threads: 63%
Twitter: 39%
Rogues: 100%

And the fiction is...
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2: New research indicates that for adults internet access at home is significantly associated with a decreased probability of being involved in a romantic relationship.

Adults with internet access were more likely to have romantic relationships

3: New images of the Moon’s surface indicate that the Moon is shrinking – by about 100 meters in the recent past.

2: New research indicates that for adults internet access at home is significantly associated with a decreased probability of being involved in a romantic relationship.

1: A new analysis confirms that the so-called mitochondrial eve lived about 200,000 years ago.

1: A new analysis confirms that the so-called mitochondrial eve lived about 200,000 years ago. 2: New research indicates that for adults internet access at home is significantly associated with a decreased probability of being involved in a romantic relationship. 3: New images of the Moon’s surface indicate that the Moon is shrinking – by about 100 meters in the recent past.

Science or Fiction time! Guess the fiction from 2010 by liking your answer choice in this thread:

…were taking antibiotics and found no significant effect.

But you still get credit if you picked 3, because Steve corrected the wording in the episode to “inadequate Vitamin D levels”

Learn more about each item on episode 211!

And the fiction is...

2: A new study finds that daily use of kefir, a fermented milk drink rich in probiotics, is associated with a decreased risk of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

The real study looked at kefir use and diarrhea in kids who…

3: A new study finds that 70% of US children are deficient in Vitamin D.

2: A new study finds that daily use of kefir, a fermented milk drink rich in probiotics, is associated with a decreased risk of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

1: New studies find that most people grossly overestimate their ability to resist temptation.

1: New studies find that most people grossly overestimate their ability to resist temptation. 2: A new study finds that daily use of kefir, a fermented milk drink rich in probiotics, is associated with a decreased risk of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. 3: A new study finds that 70% of US children are deficient in Vitamin D.

Science or Fiction time! Guess the fiction from 2009 by liking your answer choice in this thread

Learn more about each item on episode 426!

Results:
Discord: 33%
Instagram: 21%
Bluesky: 4%
Facebook: 33%
Threads: 67%
Twitter: 21%
Rogues: 80%

And the fiction is...
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2: A new study finds that subjects were more likely to purchase a lottery ticket if they had just spent money on an expensive item.

The study found that after buying a lottery ticket, participants expressed more materialistic thoughts.

3: Researchers find that women are more likely to purchase expensive accessories when they feel threatened in their relationship, and that this strategy works because women are also less likely to pursue a man whose girlfriend has expensive accessories.