The Secret Science of Superheroes

Lorch, Mark; Mackenwells, Brian; Jesson, David; Pires, Isabel; Day, Kat; Gentle, Louise; Whiting, Mark; Miles, Rob; Kundu, Suze; Verran, Joanna; Coxon, Paul; Rathi, Akshat; Byrne, Karl; Heathcoate-Marcz, Felicity

Abstract

Ever wondered what a superhero eats for breakfast? Do they need a special diet to feed their superpowers? The odd metabolisms of superheroes must mean they have strange dietary needs, from the high calorie diets to fuel flaming bodies and super speeds, to not so obvious requirements for vitamins and minerals.

The Secret Science of Superheroes looks at the underpinning chemistry, physics and biology needed for their superpowers. Individual chapters look at synthesising elements on demand, genetic evolution and what superhero suits could be made of. By exploring these topics, the book introduces a wide range of scientific concepts, from protein chemistry to particle physics for a general scientifically interested audience.

With contributions from leading science communicators the book hopes to answer some of these important questions rather than debunk or pick holes in the science of superheroes.

Citation

Lorch, M., Mackenwells, B., Jesson, D., Pires, I., Day, K., Gentle, L., Whiting, M., Miles, R., Kundu, S., Verran, J., Coxon, P., Rathi, A., Byrne, K., & Heathcoate-Marcz, F. (2017). M. Lorch, & A. Miah (Eds.). The Secret Science of Superheroes. Royal Society of Chemistry

• Book Type: Edited Book
• Publication Date: 2017
• Deposit Date: Nov 13, 2018
• Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
• Book Title: The Secret Science of Superheroes
• Chapter Number: -
• ISBN: 978-1-78262-487-5
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/586478
• Publisher URL: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/ebook/978-1-78262-487-5
• Contract Date: Aug 1, 2017