Key Takeaways

• The podcast “The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe” discussed recent scientific discoveries, including a new fossil of the radiodont Mosura fentona and an exceptionally preserved Archaeopteryx specimen.
• The episode explored the fascinating behavior of chimpanzees exhibiting self-directed and pro-social wound care, suggesting potential precursors to early human medicinal practices.
• A significant portion of the discussion focused on advancements in hair regrowth treatments, particularly a molecule called PP405 being developed at UCLA, and the emotional impact of hair loss.
• The team also delved into the scientific concept of ‘OLO,’ a color previously unperceivable by humans, and the technology developed to stimulate its perception.
• The podcast covered the legal and ethical implications surrounding Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos, and the launch of a new blood testing startup by her husband, highlighting concerns about repeating past mistakes in the tech industry.

Segments

Star Wars Fandom and ‘Andor’ (~00:07:00)

• Key Takeaway: Adam Russell shares his deep appreciation for Star Wars, particularly praising the recent series ‘Andor’ for its quality and discussing the nature of fandom.
• Summary: Adam Russell discusses his love for Star Wars, calling it his religion, and shares his positive review of ‘Andor,’ noting it sets a high bar for future Star Wars content.

Paleontology: Mosura Fentona and Archaeopteryx (~00:12:00)

• Key Takeaway: The hosts discuss two significant fossil discoveries: a well-preserved radiodont called Mosura fentona from the Burgess Shale and a new, highly complete Archaeopteryx specimen.
• Summary: The team examines detailed images and discusses the scientific importance of Mosura fentona, a Cambrian predator, and the 14th discovered Archaeopteryx specimen, highlighting its exceptional preservation and what it reveals about early bird evolution.

Primate Behavior: Chimpanzee Wound Care (~00:35:00)

• Key Takeaway: A study reveals that chimpanzees engage in self-directed and pro-social wound care, including applying plant material and removing snares, suggesting a precursor to human medicinal practices.
• Summary: The podcast discusses a study observing chimpanzees in Uganda administering first aid to themselves and others, including wound licking, leaf dabbing, and snare removal, which is presented as a significant finding in animal behavior and potential early medicine.

Hair Loss and Regrowth Treatments (~00:55:00)

• Key Takeaway: The discussion turns to the emotional impact of hair loss and the potential of a new molecule, PP405, developed at UCLA, to stimulate hair follicle reactivation.
• Summary: The hosts share personal experiences and discuss the psychological effects of baldness, while detailing the development of PP405, a molecule showing promise in early trials for hair regrowth, and the challenges of hair loss treatments.

Perceiving the Unperceivable: The Color ‘OLO’ (~01:18:00)

• Key Takeaway: Researchers have developed a device called ‘Oz’ that can stimulate specific cone cells in the human retina, allowing a small number of people to perceive ‘OLO,’ a color previously invisible to humans.
• Summary: The team explains the science behind human color vision and the limitations of our photoreceptors, detailing how the ‘Oz’ device works by selectively stimulating M-cones to create the perception of ‘OLO,’ a hyper-saturated blue-green color.

Elizabeth Holmes, Theranos, and New Ventures (~01:35:00)

• Key Takeaway: Elizabeth Holmes has been sentenced to prison for defrauding investors in Theranos, while her husband has launched a new blood testing startup, raising concerns about repeating past failures.
• Summary: The podcast discusses Elizabeth Holmes’s conviction and sentencing for her role in the Theranos scandal, and the subsequent launch of a new blood testing company by her husband, Billy Evans, which bears a striking resemblance to Theranos, prompting skepticism and discussion about startup culture and fraud.

CRISPR Gene Therapy for Genetic Disorders (~01:55:00)

• Key Takeaway: A groundbreaking case demonstrates the success of bespoke CRISPR gene therapy in treating a child with CPS1 deficiency, a severe urea cycle disorder, marking a significant milestone in in vivo genetic treatment.
• Summary: The hosts detail the remarkable case of a child treated with a custom-designed CRISPR gene therapy for CPS1 deficiency, highlighting the success of delivering the therapy via liposomes to the liver and its positive impact on the child’s health, heralding a new era for treating genetic diseases.

Science or Fiction: Dwarf Planets (~02:15:00)

• Key Takeaway: The ‘Science or Fiction’ segment tests the hosts’ knowledge about dwarf planets, with the fact that Haumea is the fastest rotating dwarf planet and that four of the five official dwarf planets have moons, while one has a ring, being confirmed as true.
• Summary: The team plays ‘Science or Fiction’ with the theme of dwarf planets, correctly identifying that Pluto is not the most massive dwarf planet (Eris is) as the fictional statement, while confirming the rapid rotation of Haumea and the moon/ring status of other dwarf planets as scientific facts.

Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement (~02:28:00)

• Key Takeaway: The episode concludes with a quote about reason and a reminder of the podcast’s mission to promote science and critical thinking.
• Summary: The hosts wrap up the show, share a quote about the function of reason, and encourage listeners to support the podcast through Patreon, providing website and contact information.