The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe The Skeptics Guide #1055 - Sep 27 2025
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Sep 27, 2025 This discussion dives into false claims linking acetaminophen to autism, debunking myths with scientific evidence. Discover the latest in NASA's mission preparations for Artemis II and the exciting advancements in quantum computing. The panel explores how AI can unintentionally lower ethical standards, leading to increased dishonesty. Delve into creative techniques for detecting superheavy elements and the rise of AI-driven scams. Plus, enjoy a fun segment identifying the sound of molten metal pouring into water!
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The Island Of Stability Promise
- The 'island of stability' could yield much longer-lived superheavy nuclei with richer chemistry.
- Bob Novella notes even seconds of stability would enable far more experimentation than microseconds allow.
Quantum Progress: Time, Error Rate, Scalability
- Progress in quantum computing must be judged by entanglement time and error rates, not qubit counts alone.
- Hosts highlight advances showing 30-second entanglement with <1% error and scalable 20 nm spacing using phosphorus nuclear spins.
Guardrails Prevent AI-Delegated Dishonesty
- Design AI interfaces with explicit guardrails and accountability to reduce outsourced dishonesty.
- Evan Bernstein recommends embedding constraints and human oversight when people delegate ethically sensitive tasks to AI.