Question: What do you get when you mix a local radio station with a few Northwestern science professors?
Answer: Mutants, Androids and Cyborgs!
Lost at the punch line? To clear things up, “Mutants, Androids and Cyborgs: The Science of Pop Culture Films,” a presentation consisting of science fiction film clips and analytical conversation, welcomed over four hundred audience members in Tech Auditorium Wednesday night.
Chicago Public Media (WBEZ 91.5 FM) sought the Northwestern Office of Scientific Outreach and Public Engagements in order to expand their off-air series of events in the Chicago area.
The show began as many shows do: a deep announcer’s voice narrated a montage of science fiction clips, declaring, “Science is sown into the language in which we tell these stories.” Host Gabriel Spitzer, WBEZ radio personality and host of its science segment “Clever Apes,” then entered the spotlight. He welcomed four Northwestern professors to the stage, each specializing in a different field of science. The audience prepared to watch “highlights of some of the best of science cinema — at least our favorites,” said Spitzer.
The Empire Strikes Back struck first. Expert in the study of prosthetics Todd Kuiken, professor of physical medicine, rehabilitation and biomedical engineering, answered Spitzer’s questions on the subject in relation to its role in the renowned sci-fi movie. Kuiken shared his optimism for the future of artificial limbs. He explained that studies have existed for thirty years to connect functions of the brain and nerves with those of a person’s muscles.
Yet, as a professional, Kuiken also expressed his skepticism of the film’s accuracy: “[There’s] always this little bird that says ‘Ugh, they’re doing this wrong!’”
Malcolm MacIver, associate professor of biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering and neurobiology and physiology, previously worked with entertainment writers in the hopes of improving scientific accuracy in films. Also on stage, MacIver positively reflected on his work in the entertainment business. But his main focus was discussing the next film shown, Minority Report.
MacIver’s analysis centered on the study of robotics. He discussed the development of robotics to perform desired tasks, adding, “Northwestern engineering…is looking to animals…and using those animals as inspiration to develop technologies that are helpful to humans.”
Tom Meade, professor of chemistry, biochemistry and molecular and cell biology, neurobiology and physiology, and radiology, also presented current scientific advancements after a viewing of Gattaca. The movie introduced the idea of genetic manipulation of a child, as well as probability of disease. Meade said that, although these two processes may not be ideal, technology can now predict a child’s susceptibility to certain diseases and conditions just sixty seconds after he or she is born. However, he added, “You’re messing with DNA – you just shouldn’t be doing that. So there’s an enormous amount of fear, rightfully.”
The following discussion, prompted by the next movie, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, examined the idea of controlling brain activity—specifically memories. Catherine Woolley, professor of neurobiology and physiology, led the conversation, claiming that the movie was the “least far-fetched; let’s not go so far as near-fetched.”
She informed the audience that studies in the area of memory control do exist. “I think that the people doing those types of studies are hopeful that they will be able to develop a therapy if not a cure for something like post-traumatic stress disorder,” she said.
Woolley also suggested the idea of “oversimplification” in the films; all four scientists agreed.
The last clip came from Matrix.
All Meade could say was, “No, that’s not happening.”
The show ended with a question-and-answer session, where audience members learned that lightsabers do exist, and that a patient once asked Kuiken to make him an artificial tail.
“I think it went really, really well,” said Spitzer. He commended the scientists on their spirit, unpredictability and humor.
Audience-members enjoyed refreshments after the show, as they fantasized about what science has in store for the future.