Topic: Popular Science

Popular Science and NPR's Marketplace discuss the decision to shut down online comment sections to prevent "trolls" from distorting scientific perception. The hosts argue that these publications are banning comments because they cannot handle public dissent or corrections to their "pseudoscience" articles. They suggest that the move is a trend toward silencing debate under the guise of protecting "civilization."

A discussion on effective website moderation suggests that banning disruptive users via IP addresses and "Bozo filters" is a simple task for major publications. The hosts criticize Popular Science for its past coverage of World Trade Center structural physics, implying the magazine avoids comments to prevent challenges to its official narratives. They argue that comments are essential for correcting factual errors in technical articles.

The hosts review Popular Science's current top stories, including "Death by Collider" and science tips from "Breaking Bad," labeling them as "bullshit" and blatant movie promotions. They return to Natasha Vita-More, discovering her real name is Nancy Clark and linking her "Plutopia" project to a marketing scam. The segment highlights the intersection of transhumanist philosophy and brand recognition at events like South by Southwest.