For this week's Ask Science Mike, we address the following questions: Is there any science behind essential oils or is it just placebo? Is there an scientific validity to modesty culture? Is there any science behind talking to the dead? Can science critique the abuse of power or patriarchy?

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Here are some resources on each answer if you'd like to dig deeper.

Q1: Is there any science behind essential oils or is it just placebo?

Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

Q2: Is there an scientific validity to modesty culture?

Sex Differences in Response to Visual Sexual Stimuli

Q3: Is there any science behind talking to the dead?

Scientists Put Psychic's Paranormal Claims to the Test

How a Medium's Brain Changes in a Trance

Q4: Can science critique the abuse of power or patriarchy?

The Psychology of Power

Ask Science Mike is produced by Gregg Nordin. 

The Ask Science Mike theme song was written, performed, and recorded by Jeb Bodiford. If you need original podcast music, he's your guy.

You've got questions, he's got answers.

Even though we may not understand he'll talk anyway.

You've got problems, he won't solve them,

But he'll talk and talk and talk until he's blue in the face.

Science, faith, and life - Ask Science Mike.