The Science of Fiction
A technical guide to the future.

Latest

Jan
20
An epidemiologist explains how science fiction has taught us—and misled us—about pandemics

An epidemiologist explains how science fiction has taught us—and misled us—about pandemics

"If that’s what always happens in the movies, why wouldn’t that happen in real life as well?"
13 min read
Dec
30
An exclusive interview with Star Trek science advisor Erin MacDonald

An exclusive interview with Star Trek science advisor Erin MacDonald

With a PhD in astrophysics, MacDonald uses her science background to help Star Trek explain di-lithium, warp drive, and more.
16 min read
Nov
24
Multiverse madness

Multiverse madness

Pop culture has embraced the idea of a multiverse—but scientists aren't even sure if we should be debating its existence.
3 min read
Oct
20
Fake crystals with awesome powers

Fake crystals with awesome powers

Crystal lore may be mostly fantasy, but it has a real effect on our lives.
3 min read
Sep
05
An inside look at SimEnvironment,  Maxis' long-lost toxic waste simulator

An inside look at SimEnvironment, Maxis' long-lost toxic waste simulator

The exclusive story about the Sim City maker's mysterious EPA-themed game.
8 min read
Jul
14
Mining the ocean is controversial. Could the Enterprise do it right?

Mining the ocean is controversial. Could the Enterprise do it right?

After all, these guys did save the whales.
4 min read
Jan
14
What exactly is the 'Eye of Aldhani' in Andor?

What exactly is the 'Eye of Aldhani' in Andor?

It may look like a meteor shower on steroids—but it doesn't act like one.
4 min read
Dec
09
The darkest form of environmentalism

The darkest form of environmentalism

Gilead, the fictional Christian state in The Handmaid's Tale, is kind of an ecofascist paradise.
4 min read
Jul
16
A fantasy-themed bar brings the magic of chemistry to life

A fantasy-themed bar brings the magic of chemistry to life

Science and magic collide at The Cauldron, a fantasy-inspired potion bar that showcases molecular mixology.
4 min read
Jun
25
How Star Trek changed NASA, helped save the whales, and more

How Star Trek changed NASA, helped save the whales, and more

Author Ryan Britt discusses his new book Phasers on Stun! How the Making (and Remaking) of Star Trek Changed the World
10 min read