54: Science of The Phantom Menace at the Fleet Science Center

Star Warsologies: A Podcast About Science and Star Wars

In this episode of Star Warsologies, we take the show on the road to the local science center's dome theater to talk about the science of Episode I.

The panel includes neuroscientist Ashley Juavinett, cell biologist Claire Meaders, paleontologist Gabriel-Philip Santos, and engineer Mike Tolley. We chat midi-chlorians (of course) and whether they've got a mind of their own. Does Jar Jar have a brain? Is Magneto a Jedi? Plus some wacky real science like arming cockroaches with canons and testing telepathy.

Show Links:

Watch the Ted Talk about brain to brain communications here. Read more about the Brain Gate project that turns thoughts into verbal communication.

Follow the Fleet Science Center on Instagram and YouTube. And check out their After Dark events!

Follow Ashley on Twitter and Instagram!

Follow Gabriel on Instagram and Cosplay for Science on Instagram! You can also watch him on PBS Eons on YouTube and TikTok! And check out Cosplay for Science’s first publication about how science communication at comic conventions.

Follow Mike on Twitter and check out his lab's website! Or check out the art exhibit Mike's lab assisted with at the Beall Center for Art + Technology.

Follow Claire on Twitter!

You can pre-order James's crossword puzzle book now!

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Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.