DID YOU KNOW?
• The term ‘cyborg’, coined by Manfred Clynes and Nathan Kline in the 1960s, was inspired by science fiction. Today, cybernetic technology is used to create prosthetic limbs and exoskeletons, enabling people with disabilities to regain mobility.
• Autonomous vehicles were first imagined in science fiction. From KITT in Knight Rider to self-driving cars in Minority Report, these fictional concepts have paved the way for real-world advances in artificial intelligence and robotics.
• Augmented reality (AR) has its roots in science fiction. AR, popularised by movies like Iron Man, has been used in real-world applications such as gaming (like Pokémon Go), education and training simulations.
Many AI concepts used today were first imagined in science fiction. From HAL 9000 in 2001: A Space Odyssey to the AI characters in The Matrix, these fictional depictions have inspired real-world AI development, such as machine learning and robotics.
Star Trek popularised the concept of a “replicator” that could create objects on demand. This idea has been partially realised through 3D printing technology, allowing for rapid prototyping and even printing organs in medical research.
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Spoilers ahead: key plot points from 3 Body Problem are discussed here.
The hit Netflix series 3 Body Problem derives its name from a real scientific phenomenon in physics: the chaotic orbits in a three-body system, where predicting future movements becomes complex. This forms the show’s premise, exploring a system where three stars’ unpredictable paths cause alternating “stable” and “chaotic” periods, devastating the alien San-Ti’s planet.
However, according to cosmologist Jacques Delabrouille, while such a system is intriguing, most triple-star systems, like Alpha Centauri, are stable. A truly chaotic system would likely eject any planets quickly into space or pull them into a star.
The show also stretches scientific facts with concepts like quantum entanglement and sophons – proton-sized supercomputers.
Although quantum entanglement is a recognised phenomenon, it cannot transmit information as depicted in the series. Similarly, sophons, as described, defy current understanding of physics by functioning in unfolded extra dimensions, which in reality are minuscule.
Furthermore, sophons would disintegrate upon entering Earth’s atmosphere, contradicting their portrayed durability and function. While these concepts add dramatic flair, they step far from scientific plausibility.
Despite its scientific exaggerations, Delabrouille appreciates the show’s creativity. It serves as a springboard for audiences to question the boundaries of science and fiction, making it a thought-provoking blend of fact and fantasy.