Other benefits of advancing technology: BNNTs

 Photo courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory Hello again science fiction fans. I apologize for my long absence, but I am back and will once more be bringing you news about exciting new technologies. However, in this week's article I would like to take a different focus and examine an

Putting the “Science” in “Science Fiction”: Lightsabers

 The lightsaber is the primary weapon of the Jedi Knights and their Sith counterparts, and one of the most iconic weapons in science-fiction. The lightsaber shares traits of sci-fi technology with the romantic idea of the saber duel, using advanced technology to create a weapon with a blade of pure

Putting the “Science” in “Science Fiction” – Judge Dredd

 Judge Dredd, the protagonist of the comic and films that share his name, is a law enforcement officer in a world filled with high-tech devices. Although technological wonders like fully autonomous robots, anti-gravity vehicles and portable laser weapons are common, likely the best-known device in the series is the Lawgiver Mk. II. The

Putting the “Science” in “Science Fiction” – Energy Barriers

 In many works of science-fiction, people use walls of dangerous energy to protect important areas, contain prisoners and even protect starships from attack. These energy barriers are similar to force fields, but are different because they are made up of energy, that is harmful to whatever touches it and offers protection by disintegrating

Putting the “Science” in “Science Fiction” – Thor

 Humanity has been fascinated with the awe-inspiring power of lightning since its earliest days, a fact that is clearly illustrated by the Norse peoples having a deity specifically dedicated to lightning and thunder. The modernized version of this character, Marvel's Thor, is an important and powerful member of the Avengers

Putting the “Science” in “Science Fiction”: Plasma

 Much like lasers, plasma weapons are a staple of modern science fiction that rarely have a description of how they work. The plasma mentioned throughout science fiction is nothing like that described in medical television shows, and is commonly considered to be the fourth state of matter, alongside gasses, liquids,