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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
"Trump’s proposed directive was to create a commission that would review all NIH grants to ensure that they align with Trump’s political agenda. The commission would have the power to veto any grants the president did not like. This is naked Lysenkoism."
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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
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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
Check out their first episode now and, if you like it, support them on Patreon! www.patreon.com/posts/147681...
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 · 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 · 10/12/2025
Oops…we had 4 items last week. Thanks for catching it!
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Learn more about each item on episode 145! Results: Discord: 29% Instagram: 28% Bluesky: 33% Facebook: 47% Threads: 0% Twitter: 20% Rogues: 33%
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
And the fiction is... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2: A new brain imaging study shows that alcohol disinhibits certain emotional centers in the brain, exaggerating the response to a perceived threat. It actually dulls the response to a perceived threat.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
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 · 09/12/2025
2: A new brain imaging study shows that alcohol disinhibits certain emotional centers in the brain, exaggerating the response to a perceived threat.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
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.
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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 · 03/12/2025
The fiction is... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
Learn more about each item on episode 369! Results: Discord: 63% Instagram: 48% Bluesky: 47% Facebook: 50% Threads: 40% Twitter: 50% Rogues: 25%
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
4: nuts – from nuts, meaning a source of pleasure
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
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
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
2: bogus – a machine used to make counterfeit bills or coins
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
1: claptrap – a trick used to ‘catch’ applause from the audience
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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 · 19/11/2025
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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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
And the fiction is... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
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 · 18/11/2025
2: A large genetic analysis finds that increased genetic diversity is associated with being taller and smarter.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
1: A recent study finds that grey squirrels are capable of solving complex puzzles, rivaling primates.
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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 · 22/10/2025
Learn more about each item on episode 266! Results: Discord: 47% Instagram: 40% Bluesky: 72% Facebook: 58% Threads: 63% Twitter: 39% Rogues: 100%
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
And the fiction is... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
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 · 21/10/2025
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.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
1: A new analysis confirms that the so-called mitochondrial eve lived about 200,000 years ago.
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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 · 15/10/2025
…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!
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
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…
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
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 · 14/10/2025
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.
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The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe @theskepticsguide.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
1: New studies find that most people grossly overestimate their ability to resist temptation.
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