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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe

@theskepticsguide.bsky.social
7.4K followers 64 following 273 posts

The official Twitter for The Skeptics' Guide To The Universe. theskepticsguide.org

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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
One of the Trump administration's attempts to erode our science infrastructure was stopped. Our scientific institutions are still struggling, but this is an important reminder that there are still some avenues where we can push back. theness.com/neurologicab...
theness.com
Setback For Trump’s Tampering With Science Funding - NeuroLogica Blog
This is a tiny bit of good news it what has been a horrific story for American science over the last almost two years. Trump has backtracked on his attempts to politicize science funding at the NIH, a...
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
Thank you Sydney! Special thanks to the Australian Skeptics for being amazing hosts. We had a wonderful time with wonderful people! Here are some pictures from the weekend (courtesy of Craig Shearer)
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
We’re just two weeks away from our LA shows! There are still a few tickets left for our Super Uniquely Secret (Except Everyone Knows) 5G Exceptionally Special Event. Grab yours before they sell out at theskepticsguide.org/events
Computer screen with code. Text above and below the screen read: “Super Uniquely Secret (Except Everyone Knows) 5G Exceptionally Special Event”
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Thanks to everyone who came out to see us at CSICon! We had a great time meeting you all!
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
Thanks for a great weekend Wisconsin!
The SGU cast and our super secret friendsLive show audienceBob in the recombobulation areaBob, George, and Steve in front of a white domed building
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
Back-to-back SGU on God Awful Movies! Find out why Cara was facepalming 5 minutes into the live show or why Jay knows so much about dogs getting hit by cars. Cara's episode: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m... Jay's episode: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t... @piatpod.bsky.social
Cara facepalming with the cast of God Awful MoviesCara laughing with the cast of God Awful MoviesCara laughing with the cast of God Awful Movies
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
New video from Andrea and Steve on the Political Reality youtube www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ki8r...
youtube.com
Quick Take: "A Whole Civilization Will Die Tonight"
YouTube video by Political Reality
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Check out Political Reality, Steve and Andrea's new podcast where they turn a skeptical eye to political headlines. This week's episode covers the SAVE Act, voter ID laws, and voter turnout in the US. youtu.be/CuqZP3FFNFY?...
youtu.be
The SAVE act, Voter ID laws, and turnout in America | Political Reality | S01E12
YouTube video by Political Reality
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
After Jay's daughter was told by her science teacher that we didn't land astronauts on the moon, Steve gave us a quick refresher on debunking moon landing myths. theness.com/neurologicab...
theness.com
Moon Landing Hoax In School - NeuroLogica Blog
Last week a child of one of my cohosts on the SGU, who is in fifth grade (the child, not the cohost), came home from school and declared, rather dramatically, "Mom, Dad - did you know that we never we...
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
Thank you Seattle! We had a great time and hope you all did too!
Group photo on stage from the Seattle Extravaganza
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
In our world of “alternative facts” and “fake news,” it often seems like we’re living in a different reality than those we disagree with. Andrea and Steve are determined to get to the bottom of it in their new show, Political Reality, where they turn their skepticism to the political arena.
patreon.com
Welcome to Political Reality! | Political Reality Podcast
Get more from Political Reality Podcast on Patreon
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 01/01/2026
Happy New Year! Time to make your “psychic” predictions for 2026. See if you can beat the rogues on our upcoming prediction episode. Don’t forget to check last year’s post to see how you did!
Image of a crystal ball with the SGU logo on it surrounded by smoke, candles, and a pair of hands

Text: “Let’s see your best predictions for 2026!”
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
Time to reflect on your 2025 predictions! How did you do? Stay tuned tomorrow to share your predictions for 2026
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 14/12/2025
You don’t need to have your blood taken out and oxygenated, but the wellness industry is still trying to sell “Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation” to increase longevity. sciencebasedmedicine.org/extracorpore...
sciencebasedmedicine.org
Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation
There is an entire industry catering to people who, as Webb once famously said on the hilarious Homeopathic A&E skit, have "more money than sense." This is the so-called "wellness" industry, now
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Science or Fiction time! Guess the fiction from 2008 by liking the post in this thread with your answer choice:
1: A new study finds that the psychedelic effects attributed to the popular bohemian drink known as Absinthe were entirely due to its alcohol content.
2: A new brain imaging study shows that alcohol disinhibits certain emotional centers in the brain, exaggerating the response to a perceived threat.
3: A new study shows that virtual reality ‘video game’ environments can trigger drinking behavior and can be used to treat alcohol addiction.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
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
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
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!
Happy Thanksgiving from the SGU to you!
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Science or Fiction time! Guess the fiction from 2015 by liking the post in this thread with your answer choice.
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.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
Happy Halloween from the SGU! 💀🎃👻
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
Science or Fiction time! Guess the fiction from 2010 by liking your answer choice in this thread:
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.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
Science or Fiction time! Guess the fiction from 2009 by liking your answer choice in this thread
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.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Today’s Science or Fiction throwback is from 2013. Guess which is the fiction by liking your answer choice in this thread #scienceorfiction
1: New research finds that hearing a salesperson flatter another customer causes a negative reaction to the salesperson but increases the desire to buy an expensive item.
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.
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.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
Science or Fiction time! Guess the fiction from 2010 by liking your answer choice in this thread
1: After studying material, self-testing is more effective at enhancing learning than repeated studying.
2: It is best to study in a consistent and uncluttered environment.
3: A recent review concludes that there is no evidence to support the notion that different people benefit from different learning styles, such as visual vs auditory.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
Science or Fiction time! Guess the fiction from 2015 by liking your answer choice in this thread:
1: Scientists have developed a smart keyboard that is self-powered and can identify users by their typing pattern.
2: Analysis of the oldest fossil primate species indicates that the earliest primates lived underground.
3: New research finds that wolves have as much social skill with their own species and with humans as do domestic dogs.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
Science or Fiction time! Guess the fiction from 2009 by liking the post in this thread with your answer choice.
1: Scientists reveal the first car that can run on biofuel made from chocolate.
2: Physicists have developed a new incandescent light bulb suitable for residential use that is almost 100 times as energy efficient as existing bulbs.
3: A new fossil analysis shows that the so-called “hobbit”, or Homo florensiensis, had long flat feet more like apes than humans, and therefore could not walk efficiently.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
Science or Fiction time! Guess the fiction from 2013 by liking the post in this thread with your answer choice:
1: A new study finds that medical testimonials that contain irrelevant information may lead to inappropriate medical decision making.
2: A recent study finds that listening to an emotional sermon can induce an out-of-body experience in susceptible people.
3: A new paper warns against “chemophobia,” the irrational fear of the ubiquitous and non-toxic chemicals found in our food and environment.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
No, oregano oil is no the solution to all of your problems... sciencebasedmedicine.org/oregano-snak...
sciencebasedmedicine.org
Oregano Snake Oil
Oregano oil is being marketed with a variety of health claims, including as a treatment for various infections, inflammatory disorders, and skin conditions. This TikTok video by an "Ayervedic special
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
We're going to Kansas! If you'll be near Lawrence Kansas on September 20th, come see us! We have a private show at noon and a Skeptical Extravaganza in the evening. Join us for a night of games, music, and critical thinking! theskepticsguide.org/events
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
Science or Fiction time! Guess the fiction from 2016 by liking the post in this thread with your answer choice:
1: Physicists studying solar cells may have discovered why most plants on Earth are green.
2: Researchers have published the first estimate of the mass of the technosphere, 30 trillion tons, or 50 kilograms per square meter of Earth surface.
3: Astronomers have identified the tiniest known asteroid, measuring about 200 millimeters in average diameter.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
Science or fiction time! Guess the fiction by liking them post in this thread with your answer choice:
1: A new study finds that the Earth’s magnetic field is much closer to flipping polarity than previously thought and may happen this century.
2: After sequencing the genome of the tardigrade, researchers found that about 6,000 genes, or over 17%, of the tardigrade’s genome is composed of foreign DNA.
3: Engineers have made bionic roses, with transistors and electrodes incorporated into the leaves and stem, including a rose that can change color when an electrical current is applied.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
We're not streaming today, but you can still watch our stream of Boomer vs. Zoomer from Not-A-Con last weekend! Find out who stormed off the stage, why Ian handed out a giant watermelon coin, and which quizmasters have mastered childhood games! www.youtube.com/live/QbHl8LO...
youtube.com
Boomer Vs Zoomer LIVE at NOTACON2025
YouTube video by TheSkepticsGuide
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
It's time for our generational quiz show, Boomer vs. Zoomer! We're streaming the show live! Play along: YouTube.com/theskepticsguide/live
Game show podiums for each generation
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Skepticism is hard work, with all those pesky "facts" and "data." Maybe some of our attendees can talk us out of it in our new Not A Con segment: Pitching Woo!
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
Not A Con 2025 has begun!
A skeleton behind the registration deskNot A Con badge
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
It's Not A Con week! Last chance to get tickets before the festivities kick off. Full passes and single day tickets are available at NotAConCon.com
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
NOTACON IS COMING! We're starting the celebrations today with a pre-con livestream with some special guests! Join us at 5pm EDT/9pm UTC www.youtube.com/@TheSkeptics...
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
In honor of our 20th anniversary, we’re going back to 2005 for this week’s Science or Fiction. Guess the fiction by liking the post in this thread with your answer choice:
1: South Korean doctors have successfully revived a dog who was preserved in cryogenic stasis for eleven days.
2: Israeli scientists have grown a palm tree from a 2000 year old seed.
3: In perhaps the first application of nanotechnology in medicine, scientists have attached cancer-fighting drugs to nanoparticles that target tumor cells.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
Cheers to 20 years! Today marks the 20th anniversary of The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe! Special thanks to all of the amazing fans and collaborators who have helped keep us going for two decades!
Steve, Jay, and Bob smiling with a bottle of champagne"20 years of podcasting" with fireworks
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
Science or Fiction time, with a theme - big numbers! Guess the fiction from 2010 by liking the post in this thread with your answer choice.
1: Total length of blood vessels in the human body: 10,000 miles
2: Hottest known temperature in the universe (recently created in the laboratory by physicists): 7.2 trillion degrees F
3: Number of cells in the human body: 10-50 trillion
4: Total number of species ever to have lived on Earth (upper limit of estimates): 10 billion
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 19/04/2025
Scientists have found dimethyl sulfide on an exoplanet - a chemical that is only produced by living organisms on Earth. The discovery has the potential to be the first evidence of life beyond Earth, but it's too soon to draw conclusions. theness.com/neurologicab...
theness.com
Possible Biosignature on K2-18b - NeuroLogica Blog
Exoplanets are pretty exciting - in the last few decades we have gone from knowing absolutely nothing about planets beyond our solar system to having a catalogue of over 5,000 confirmed exoplanets. Th...
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
We're in an exciting era of research on brain structure and function. Steve details the latest step on the path to mapping the brain. sciencebasedmedicine.org/mapping-the-...
sciencebasedmedicine.org
Mapping the Brain
I think it's important to recognize not only how fake science can degrade medicine and exploit health care consumers, but also how real science can benefit medicine and consumers. It's also important
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
We’re just one month away from Not A Con 2025! Come join us in New York for a weekend of skepticism, music, and shenanigans! Get your tickets now at NotAConCon.com
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
Burying power lines isn't just for aesthetics - it can save money and reduce power outages. theness.com/neurologicab...
theness.com
Bury Broadband and Electricity - NeuroLogica Blog
We may have a unique opportunity to make an infrastructure investment that can demonstrably save money over the long term - by burying power and broadband lines. This is always an option, of course, b...
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
Science or Fiction time! Guess the fiction from 2008 by liking the post in this thread with your answer choice.
1: A recent survey shows that online gamers are more physically fit than the general population.
2: Astronomers have discovered a new class of neutron star, called a gravitar, which is more massive than the previously calculated upper limit for neutron stars.
3: A recent nutritional survey shows that most children are getting more than enough vitamins and minerals in their diet.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Science or Fiction time! Guess is the fiction from 2011 by liking the post in this thread with your answer choice:
1: A recently published analysis concludes that 100% of the world’s energy needs can be met with renewable sources (wind, solar, and water) using existing technology within 20-40 years.
2: Paleontologists have uncovered the first and only known single-fingered dinosaur.
3: A new study finds that, contrary to popular belief, staring at the horizon on a moving boat worsens motion sickness.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
Science or Fiction time! Guess the fiction from 2016 by liking the post in this thread with your answer choice
1: Twenty separate Mercury spacecraft were built for the Mercury program, but only 15 were ever flown.
2: The Mercury capsule was only capable of manned flight for a maximum of a day and a half, which was achieved on the final mission by L. Gordon Cooper lasting 34 hours, 19 minutes, 49 seconds.
3: John Glenn was the first American to orbit the earth, in the capsule Freedom 7, so named because it was the 7th mission of the Mercury Program.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
Enjoy our interview with @mrmmarsh.bsky.social and Cecil Cicirello? Want to prepare yourself to counter claims from the Rogan lovers in your life? Check out The Know Rogan Experience at www.knowrogan.com @knowrogan.bsky.social
knowrogan.com
The Know Rogan Experience
The Know Rogan Experience is a show where two podcasters with no previous Rogan experience get to know Joe Rogan. Joe Rogan is one of the most listened to people …
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
We're going to Kansas! Tickets go on sale tomorrow morning at 10 am for our Skeptical Extravaganza on Saturday, September 20th. Get your tickets at www.ticketmaster.com/event/060062...
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
Science or Fiction time! Guess the fiction from 2017 by liking the post in this thread with your answer choice:
1: Ernest Duchesne presented for his PhD thesis in 1897 his research finding that Penicillium molds produced a substance which killed bacteria and could be used to treat bacterial infections, 31 years prior to Alexander Fleming’s discovery.
2: Both the Franklin Stove and bifocals were not original to Benjamin Franklin, but French inventions he popularized in America.
3: In 1835, James Bowman Lindsay demonstrated the first incandescent light bulb, 43 years before Thomas Edison began work on his bulb.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Science or Fiction time! Guess the fiction from 2013 by liking the post in this thread with your answer choice.
1: A new study examines South African dogs bred and trained to defend livestock that are capable of fighting and killing cheetahs and other large predators.
2: A recent systematic review finds that people who suffer from food allergies are more likely to die from murder than from their allergy.
3: A new computer simulation suggests that a major component of the Permian extinction 252 million years ago was sulfuric acid rain with a pH of 2.
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