Science Fictions

A sharp look at a high‑profile writer’s rise, controversies and bestselling science books. They unpack repeated sourcing problems, quotation and Wikipedia scandals, and patterns in his globe‑trotting marketing. The trio of books on addiction, depression, attention and obesity get a skeptical tour through factual errors, overstated claims and selective anecdotes.

We made it: triple figures! And as luck would have it, Nature just simultaneously published four major meta-science papers that are right up our street. Aw. Thanks, Nature. You shouldn’t have.How screwed is social/behavioural science? We read all four papers to find out.We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who’s been listening for all this time. See you for the next hundred!Show notes* The four Nature papers:* Replication* Reproducibility* Robustness* The non-DARPA oneCreditsThe Science Fictions podcast—all 100+ episodes of it!—is produced by Julian Mayers at Yada Yada Productions. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencefictionspod.substack.com/subscribe

A look at why decades of research chased single genes for complex traits and how that idea took hold. Stories about high-profile gene claims like serotonin and MAOA and the media frenzy they sparked. How replication failures, publication bias and underpowered studies overturned many influential findings. The rise of large-scale genetics and why most traits turn out to be highly polygenic.

A deep dive into the rise and fall of power posing, from viral TED fame to scientific reappraisal. They trace the original small-study claims about posture, hormones and confidence. Replication attempts, statistical criticisms and public backlash get sharp attention. The conversation ends by weighing what, if any, simple posture advice remains.

They dive into a controversial documentary portrayal and a BAFTA incident tied to a person with Tourette's. They describe unusual tics, triggers, and how groups respond with humour and self-awareness. They debate casting and accents in film and TV. They tease deeper looks at causes, diagnosis and treatment, plus the TikTok contagion question.

A bizarre 2024 claim of oxygen appearing on the abyssal seafloor without photosynthesis sparks debates about natural batteries, deep-sea mining and the origin of aerobic life. The story dives into lander measurements, electrochemistry objections, reanalyses, possible measurement artefacts and heated scientific disputes. The hosts lean toward experimental error over a revolutionary new process.

They examine the 2D:4D digit ratio and the long history of research and hype around it. They cover claims linking finger length to aggression, trading success, musical ability, sexuality, penis size, and COVID outcomes. Measurement problems, replication failures, statistical pitfalls and dubious causal chains get called out. The tone is skeptical and often humorous.

A lively critique of Johan Hari’s claims about depression and treatment methods. A breakdown of public controversies and journalistic methods behind sweeping arguments. A focus on conflicting research and dueling meta-analyses about antidepressant effectiveness. A teaser that invites listeners to explore the full debate and evidence in the paid version.

A deep dive into the controversy around electroconvulsive therapy. They trace its gruesome history and modern, anaesthetised practice. They examine the shaky clinical trials, sham controls, and ethical arguments for and against more research. They unpack evidence on cognitive and autobiographical memory harms and debate how clinicians weigh risks for the most severe cases.

A lively dive into what “critical thinking” actually means and whether it can be taught. They examine studies from tree octopus hoaxes to large media-literacy trials and question claims that education alone fixes gullibility. The conversation covers teachability, surprising meta-analysis results, transfer limits, and practical tactics like lateral reading that show modest gains.