What Do Superhero Movies Need a Science Advisor For?

What Do Superhero Movies Need a Science Advisor For?Top of Mind with Julie Rose • Season 1, Episode 996, Segment 6

Jan 30, 2019 • 30m

Guests: Jennifer Ouellette, Senior Reporter, Ars Technica; Sean Carroll, Theoretical Physicist, California Institute of Technology When you’re trying to tell a good story for the silver screen, you can’t get bogged down in the scientific details. You could argue we watch TV and go to the movie theater to escape reality. But many Hollywood producers and directors do care about getting at least some of the science right. The National Academy of Sciences even has a program to put the entertainment industry in touch with top scientists and engineers to advise them.

Other Segments

Pacific Northwest Just One of a Dozen "Hotspots" Where Measles Outbreak LikelyJan 30, 201918mGuest: Peter Hotez, Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and Co-Director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Author of “Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel’s Autism” The Governor of Washington has declared a public health state of emergency. There have been 36 confirmed cases of measles in Clark County, Washington, which borders Portland, Oregon. Another case has been confirmed in King County, which includes Seattle. Both areas are hotspots that vaccine researcher Peter Hotez has been warning for several years were at risk of a major outbreak. And there are a dozen other metropolitan areas around the country at similar risk.

Guest: Peter Hotez, Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and Co-Director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Author of “Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel’s Autism” The Governor of Washington has declared a public health state of emergency. There have been 36 confirmed cases of measles in Clark County, Washington, which borders Portland, Oregon. Another case has been confirmed in King County, which includes Seattle. Both areas are hotspots that vaccine researcher Peter Hotez has been warning for several years were at risk of a major outbreak. And there are a dozen other metropolitan areas around the country at similar risk.

The Experiential Fun of Escape RoomsJan 30, 201919mGuest: David Spira, Room Escape Artist There were only 22 escape room companies in the US five years ago, and now there are thousands. It’s a popular entertainment option for date nights and group bonding worldwide.

Guest: David Spira, Room Escape Artist There were only 22 escape room companies in the US five years ago, and now there are thousands. It’s a popular entertainment option for date nights and group bonding worldwide.

Some Food for Thought on Food PreferencesJan 30, 201914mGuest: Paul Rozin, Professor of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania I bet there’s a food you hated as a kid but like to eat now. The first time I encountered pickled beets at a neighborhood picnic, I thought they were the worst-tasting thing ever. Now, I make a point of putting them on my plate if they’re offered at a salad bar. I also used to really hate vinegar-based salad dressings. Now I prefer them over the creamy ones.

Guest: Paul Rozin, Professor of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania I bet there’s a food you hated as a kid but like to eat now. The first time I encountered pickled beets at a neighborhood picnic, I thought they were the worst-tasting thing ever. Now, I make a point of putting them on my plate if they’re offered at a salad bar. I also used to really hate vinegar-based salad dressings. Now I prefer them over the creamy ones.

Apple SeedJan 30, 201911mGuest: Sam Payne Sam Payne shares a story

Guest: Sam Payne Sam Payne shares a story

Potent Little Disease Fighters Hiding in that Cute Furry IlamaJan 30, 201911mGuest: Ian Wilson, DPhil, Professor of Structural Biology, Chairman of Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, Scripps Research You probably know that the reason you have to get a flu shot every year is that there are a bunch of different flu viruses and we haven’t figured out yet out to make a vaccine that works against all of them. But llamas might be able to help. Yes, llamas.

Guest: Ian Wilson, DPhil, Professor of Structural Biology, Chairman of Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, Scripps Research You probably know that the reason you have to get a flu shot every year is that there are a bunch of different flu viruses and we haven’t figured out yet out to make a vaccine that works against all of them. But llamas might be able to help. Yes, llamas.