The Secret Science of Superheroes
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.
The Secret Science of Superheroes, The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2017.
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Table of contents
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The Breakfasts of Superheroesp1-14ByMark LorchMark LorchSearch for other works by this author on:
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CHAPTER 2: The Evolution of Superpowersp15-32ByLouise K. GentleLouise K. GentleSchool of Animal Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent UniversityUKlouise.gentle@ntu.ac.ukSearch for other works by this author on:
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CHAPTER 3: The Hallmarks of Hulkp33-48ByIsabel PiresIsabel PiresSearch for other works by this author on:
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CHAPTER 4: Supervillainy 101: Choosing Between a Zombie, Vampire or Werewolf Apocalypsep49-67ByJ. Verran;J. VerranSchool of Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan UniversityChester StreetManchester M1 5GDUKj.verran@mmu.ac.ukSearch for other works by this author on:M. CrossleyM. CrossleySchool of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan UniversityChester StreetManchester M1 5GDUKSearch for other works by this author on:
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CHAPTER 5: How to Build a Super Soldierp68-81ByAkshat RathiAkshat RathiSearch for other works by this author on:
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CHAPTER 6: The Real World Super Metalp82-92ByPaul R. CoxonPaul R. CoxonDepartment of Materials Science & Metallurgy, University of Cambridge27 Charles Babbage RoadCambridgeCB3 0FSUKprc39@cam.ac.ukSearch for other works by this author on:
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CHAPTER 7: Is It a Ceramic? Is It Graphene? No It’s Vibranium!p93-110ByMark J. WhitingMark J. WhitingDepartment of Mechanical Engineering Sciences, University of SurreyGuildfordGU2 7XHUKm.whiting@surrey.ac.ukSearch for other works by this author on:
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CHAPTER 8: The Science of Super Suitsp111-129BySuze KunduSuze KunduUniversity of Surrey, Department of Chemical and Process EngineeringGuildfordSurreyGU2 7XHUKs.kundu@surrey.ac.ukSearch for other works by this author on:
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CHAPTER 9: Why Doesn’t the Invisible Woman Bump Into Things?p130-140ByKat DayKat DaySearch for other works by this author on:
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CHAPTER 10: The Flash: The Fastest Man on Firep141-148ByBrian MackenwellsBrian MackenwellsWellcome Trust Centre for Human GeneticsRoosevelt DriveHeadingtonOxfordOX3 7BNUKbrian@mackenwells.comSearch for other works by this author on:
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CHAPTER 11: You’ve Got to Learn to Be More Flexible: The Mechanics of Marvellousp149-166ByDavid JessonDavid JessonDepartment of Mechanical Engineering Sciences, University of SurreyGuildfordSurreyGU2 7XHUKd.jesson@surrey.ac.ukSearch for other works by this author on:
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CHAPTER 12: Big Data, Big Heroes and Bad Computersp167-182ByRob MilesRob MilesSearch for other works by this author on:
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CHAPTER 13: The Wonder-ous Truth: The Workings of Wonder Woman’s Lassop183-196ByFelicity Heathcote-MárczFelicity Heathcote-MárczAlliance Manchester Business School, University of ManchesterBooth Street EastManchesterM13 9SSUKflicstyle@hotmail.comSearch for other works by this author on:
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CHAPTER 14: Super Frequently Asked Questionsp197-208ByKarl ByrneKarl ByrneSearch for other works by this author on:
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