The Reality Check

Latest Episodes:

TRC #699: Was Lamarck That Wrong? + What Do Animals See On A TV? Nov 06, 2024

Show notes

When it comes to evolution many focus on what Jean-Baptiste Lamarck got wrong with his model of inheritance. Darren looks at what he got right and considers his discoveries in light of the scientific understanding of the world of his time. Adam, based on first hand anecdotal evidence of many cats and dogs, wonders what pets see when they looking at various types of TVs and computer monitors.

TRC #698: Converting Office Space to Housing + Book Review: The Singularity is Nearer Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

Why don't they just convert all of the unused office space to housing? Adam looks at the challenges involved in converting office buildings to residential space. Then Darren gives us a review of Ray Kurzweil's recent book The Singularity Is Nearer.

TRC #697: Did Hedy Lamarr Invent Wi-Fi? + Name That: Spot the Fake Sep 30, 2024

Show notes

We have some very special guests on this week's episode as TRC alumni Pat and Cristina join us with some great segments. Cristina looks at the truth behind a viral meme that says that famous actress Hedy Lamarr invented Wi-Fi, and gives us some background on this fascinating woman's life. Then Pat delights us with everyone's favourite mostly guessing game Name That: Spot The Fake.

TRC #696: Did Sakana AI Change Its Own Code? + Who is Margaret Hello? Sep 09, 2024

Show notes

Could an AI rewrite its own code? Has it perhaps already done so? Darren looks at the story which suggests that an AI Scientist, developed by Sakana AI, was able to change its own source code. What exactly happened and are you worried enough about it? Then Adam investigates the truth behind a viral claim that we say "hello" on the telephone because of Graham Bell's fiancée and assistant, Margaret Hello.

TRC #695: The Science of Sharknado + Book Review: Invisible Rulers by Renée DiResta Aug 26, 2024

Show notes

After having watched all six Sharknado films Adam decides to do some research into the science of these not at all ridiculous films, uncovering the truth about the plausibility and historical precedent for a tornado filled with living sharks. Darren gives us a book review of Renée DiResta's Invisible Rulers: The People Who Turn Lies into Reality, which explores how powerful influencers are able to affect what people believe.

TRC #694: Can Meditation Be Harmful? + Did Cavemen Live in Caves? Aug 12, 2024

Show notes

Could meditation ever be harmful? Darren examines the evidence to determine if meditation, which can have many benefits, might sometimes have a negative impact on people's lives. Adam looks at the idea of cavemen and wonders if, as their name suggests, that they really spent all that much time in caves.

TRC #693: When Is Soap Not Really Soap? + Book Review: Determined Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

What's the difference between a bar of soap and the stuff we use to clean dishes, laundry and cars, and can you just use any of those in the shower? Adam tries to find out whether the stuff that's fit for baby ducks if good enough for you skin. Darren gives us a review of Determined: The Science of Life Without Free Will by Robert Sapolsky, which asks interesting questions about free will, whether we have it and what the implications are.

TRC #692: Cultivating Critical Thinking + Letting Food Cool Before Refrigerating It Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

We look at some fundamental ways of cultivating critical thinking on the latest show. Darren looks at some common cognitive biases and logical fallacies and how to use these in order to have a better more accurate understanding of the truth of the things we face every day. Then Adam looks at the science behind the belief that you should let your leftovers cool down at room temperature before putting them in the fridge.

TRC #691: Why Can't AI Do Laundry and Dishes? Jun 16, 2024

Show notes

Can we say that AI is going in the wrong direction, as it does our art and writing while we suffer doing laundry and dishes? It's just Adam on the show this week as he overanalyzes a viral tweet by looking at how much the time and way we do chores has changed for the better over the centuries, while looking at what AI could do to improve the situation.

TRC #690: Early Mammals + Would You Rather Encounter a Man or a Bear in the Woods? Jun 03, 2024

Show notes

What were the first mammals like? Darren examines what characterizes a mammal and explores the world of early mammals, who coexisted with the dinosaurs. Adam investigates the discourse around a viral question which asks "Would you rather be stuck in a forest with a man or a bear?", using some simple statistics to inform the issue.

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