Truth is in Here: The Real Science Behind the "X-files" - Clones, Killer Viruses, Cryogenics, Cancer and Ageing, Genetic Engineering.... - Softcover

Simon, Anne

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0091865417 ISBN 13: 9780091865412

Publisher: Ebury Press, 1999

Synopsis

Anne Simon is a world-renowned biologist and expert on plant viruses. She has also been scientific advisor to the "X-Files" TV programme since the series began. In this volume she explores the realities that lie behind the discoveries made in each episode by Mulder and Scully. Despite the achievements of modern science and technology, it is estimated that less than one per cent of living creatures have yet been identified. Unknown plants, animals and microbes still inhabit our planet, and new discoveries are made every year - for example, the giant interconnected fungus "Amilaria ostoyae", which spans an area of two and a half miles, and is thus the largest organism on earth, found recently in the state of Washington. Dr Simon goes on to discuss such scientific topics as cloning, genetic engineering, hybrid organisms and genetics, cancer and ageing, cryogenics, killer viruses and more. Whilst doing this, she refers to the "X-Files" episode relevant to her subject, and gives the inside story of how the story-line was developed.

About this title

From the Author

An insiders view of science and the X-Files
The X-Files TV show is a cult phenomenon. One of the factors that makes the show so successful is the blending of real science and science fiction. To the non-scientist, it can be difficult to differentiate where the real science ends and the science fiction begins. The science themes that the show embraces come directly from news headlines: fossils in meteorites, emerging pathogens, gene therapy, cloning, and genetic engineering, to name but a few. This book takes many episodes, including the popular "The Erlenmeyer Flask", "Tunguska", "Home", and "Redux", and explains not only the science behind the dialogue, but the real science that the episodes are based on. The science is described simply, clearly, and humorously, and no prior knowledge of science or the X-Files is needed for an enjoyable reading experience. The book is written for people who hear news stories on cloning and gene therapy and wish there was some simple way to understand the basic science behind the headlines. For fans of the X-Files, there are some real treats. Since I played a role in devising the scientific experiments and results shown in a number of episodes written by the show's creator, Chris Carter, including the feature movie, I provide behind the scenes information on how science was incorporated into the scripts. I am hoping that readers will not only gain a better understanding of modern science, but also develop an appreciation for the excitement of scientific discoveries and what awaits us in the near future.

Edition details

• Publisher: Ebury Press
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0091865417
• ISBN 13: 9780091865412
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256