The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe
LightNews LightNews
banner
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe
@theskepticsguide.bsky.social
7.2K followers 64 following 240 posts
The official Twitter for The Skeptics' Guide To The Universe.
theskepticsguide.org
Posts Replies Media Videos
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
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!
November 28, 2025 at 2:01 AM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
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.
November 18, 2025 at 12:15 PM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
Happy Halloween from the SGU! 💀🎃👻
November 2, 2025 at 3:57 PM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
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.
October 21, 2025 at 10:56 AM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
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.
October 14, 2025 at 11:10 AM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
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.
October 7, 2025 at 11:48 AM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
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.
September 23, 2025 at 11:21 AM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
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.
September 16, 2025 at 10:47 AM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
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.
September 9, 2025 at 7:40 PM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
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.
September 2, 2025 at 10:54 AM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
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
June 25, 2025 at 2:47 PM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
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.
June 10, 2025 at 3:46 PM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
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.
June 3, 2025 at 10:54 AM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
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
May 16, 2025 at 11:27 PM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
May 16, 2025 at 3:52 PM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
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!
May 16, 2025 at 3:52 PM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
Not A Con 2025 has begun!
A skeleton behind the registration desk Not A Con badge
May 15, 2025 at 7:13 PM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
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
May 12, 2025 at 4:20 PM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
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...
May 9, 2025 at 5:56 PM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
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.
May 6, 2025 at 11:10 AM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
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
May 4, 2025 at 11:17 PM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
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
April 29, 2025 at 12:49 PM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
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
April 17, 2025 at 7:37 PM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
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.
April 15, 2025 at 12:11 PM
theskepticsguide.bsky.social
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.
April 8, 2025 at 10:49 AM