The Header: Real Science
The header is composed from public domain images of real biological
science. Find out more from the original sources:
National Human Genome Research Institute
Human Chromosomes
Human Chromosomes Mouse and DNA
Mouse and DNA
NIAID Biodefense Research
Anthrax Heptamer Structure
Anthrax Heptamer Structure Salmonella
Salmonella Invading Human Cells
NIH Image Bank
Array slide
Array Slide DNA purification
DNA Purification
USDA Image Gallery
Rose plant from tissue culture
Rose plant grown from tissue culture
Other Sources of Images
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, Great Lakes
Environmental Research Laboratory
National Cancer Institute Visuals Online
US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Eye Institute, National
Institutes of Health
CDC Public Health Images Library
NOAA Photo Library
NOAA Photo Library
posted by Peggy at 5:42 PM 0 comments
Welcome to the Biology in Science Fiction Blog
They* say that you should blog about things you are interested in.
Well, for me, that includes science fiction, fantasy and the
biological sciences. I am starting this blog as way for me to muse
about what I read. I may stray a bit from the main topic, but
hopefully not too far (biology in other genres of fiction, science in
the news, and whatnot). I'll probably write more about books than
movies, since I read more than I watch, but I consider everything fair
game.
But what about the robots?
One thing that annoys me is the assumption that "science fiction"
necessarily includes robots, spaceships, time machines, zap guns or
other cool gadgets. What they are thinking of is what I like to call
"technology fiction" or "engineering fiction". The trick is that there
doesn't necessarily have to be any new scientific discoveries for new
technologies to develop. I would argue that technological marvels such
as the wheel and the steam engine didn't directly spring from new
scientific knowledge. That doesn't mean that new technologies don't
make for good fiction. Space operas like Star Wars, Star Trek and
Battlestar Galactica (and their print cousins) would be pretty dull if
they didn't have some form of faster-than-light travel, and I enjoy
watching "gadget of the week" show Eureka on SciFi.
In addition to the assumption that science fiction is based on
engineering, rather than science, there is a common attitude that the
biological sciences aren't really as "hard" as physics or astronomy or
geology. Maybe it's because collecting specimens or working in a lab
isn't as "macho" as sitting at a telescope, collecting rocks or
blowing things up. Maybe it's because advanced calculus and
differential equations aren't typically needed for biological
breakthroughs. Perhaps it's because a biological discovery doesn't
result in a time travel machine or a method of navigating hyperspace.
For whatever reason, some hold biology to be just slightly above the
"soft" social and behavior sciences**. Of course, that kind of
attitude is just stupid.
Anyone really familiar with science fiction will realize that there
are many classic and popular stories that are dependent on the
biological sciences to drive the story. And that is what this blog is
about.
I hope you find the blog interesting, and feel inspired to pick up a
book or learn a bit more about biology.
* "They" being that mysterious cabal of wise persons who know
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