The Secret Science of Superheroes
CHAPTER 8: The Science of Super Suits
Let’s face facts here. The majority of superheroes gained their superpowers through either chance encounters, or the kinds of lab accidents that would result in hours of health and safety paperwork. For me, as a materials scientist and engineer, the real superheroes that I aspire to become one day are those who are most like me – regular people with a lab to hand, and a bunch of money. In my case, that would be hard-earned grant funding. For them, it is usually an inheritance pay-out or the acquirement of a large family company. Either way, superheroes like Batman and Iron Man are hugely inspirational in terms of science and engineering potential. However, the powers that their suits hold are confined to the realms of science fiction and comic book pages … or are they? Time to get my science on and delve into the real-life materials of super suits, whether we can really recreate them to become superheroes ourselves, and settle the Marvel/DC score of who would win in a battle between Batman and Iron Man. They have already battled Superman and the delightful Captain America, of course.
A Passion for Science: Stories of Discovery and Invention
CHAPTER 18: Stephanie Kwolek: Inventor of Kevlar
From the identification of the Horsehead Nebula to the creation of the computer program, from the development of in vitro fertilisation to the detection of pulsars, A Passion for Science: Stories of Discovery and Invention brings together inspiring stories of how we achieved some of the most important breakthroughs in science and technology
The Science of Game of Thrones: From the Genetics of Royal Incest to the Chemistry of Death by Molten Gold - Sifting Fact from Fantasy in the Seven Kingdoms
(I have contributed to this book)
A myth-busting, jaw-dropping, fun-filled tour through the science of your favorite fantastical world.
Award-winning comedian and popular-science writer Helen Keen uncovers the astounding science behind the mystical, blood-soaked world of Game of Thrones, answering questions like: Is it possible to crush a person's head with your bare hands? What really happens when royal families interbreed? Does Cersei have Borderline Personality Disorder? What curious medical disorder does Hodor suffer from? And more.
Join Keen as she investigates wildfire, ice walls, face transplants, and every wild feature of Westeros and beyond, revealing a magical world that may be closer to our own than we think. The Science of Game of Thrones is the ultimate guide to the epic series as well as the perfect gift for science-lovers and fans. So pour yourself a bowl of brown, climb on your beast of burden, and prepare yourself to see the Seven Kingdoms as you have never seen them before.
50 Chemistry Ideas You Really Need to Know
(I have contributed to this book)
Chemistry is at the cutting edge of our lives. How does a silicon chip work? How can we harness natural products to combat human disease? And is it possible to create artificial muscles?
Providing answers to these questions and many more, 50 Chemistry Ideas You Really Need to Know is an engaging guide to the world of chemistry. From the molecules that kick-started life itself to nanotechnology, chemistry offers some fascinating insights into our origins, as well as continuing to revolutionize life as we know it.
In 50 short instalments, this accessible book discusses everything from the arguments of the key thinkers to the latest research methods, using timelines to place each theory in context - telling you all you need to know about the most important ideas in chemistry, past and present.
Contents include: Thermodynamics, Catalysts, Fermentation, Green Chemistry, Separation, Crystallography, Microfabrication, Computational Chemistry, Chemistry Occurring in Nature, Manmade Solutions: Beer, Plastic, Artificial Muscles and Hydrogen Future