Writing/drawing a story that has to have science that makes sense? Have a hard time believing that someone could gain superpowers from being bitten by a radio-active spider? Want to know more about real science in the science fiction? Then look no further then Peggy Kolm’s new blog: Biology in Science Fiction
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.
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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.
It looks like the blog will quickly become an excellent source for reference for those of us who think Lasers Beams can do anything.
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