The Real Science Behind the X-Files: Microbes, Meteorites, and Mutants

Front Cover
Simon and Schuster, Oct 9, 2001 - Performing Arts - 320 pages
1 Review
Could an alien organism really survive a centuries-long trip on a meteor and remain virulent enough to attack a human being? How would a scientist know she was peering at a microbe from another planet? What's the possibility of a genetically mutated monster actually developing?
In a gripping exploration of the facts behind the science fiction that has enthralled millions of X-philes, Anne Simon -- the respected virologist who comes up with the science for many intriguing episodes -- discusses telomeres, cloning, the Hayflick limit, nanotechnology, endosymbionts, lentiviruses, and other strange phenomena that have challenged the intellect and threatened the lives and sanity of America's favorite FBI agents. With Simon's extraordinary gift for explaining complicated, cutting-edge science in a light, accessible style, and her behind-the-scenes commentary on the development of various plot lines, The Real Science Behind the X-Files will appeal to science buffs and X-Files aficionados alike.
 

What people are saying - Write a review

THE REAL SCIENCE BEHIND THE X-FILES: Microbes, Meteorites, and Mutants

User Review  - Jane Doe - Kirkus

TV's popular X-Files, criticized for peddling woo-woo ideas, is actually careful to preserve scientific accuracy'so says the show's science consultant. Simon (Biochemistry/Univ. of Mass., Amherst) was ... Read full review

Contents

Foreword by Chris Carter creator of The XFiles
11
Introduction
17
Hidden and Hungry
23
Visitors from the Void
71
Mutants and Monsters
121
Releasing the Genetic Genie
169
Seeking the Fountain of Youth
217
Fooling with Mother Nature
261
Afterword
297
Copyright

Other editions - View all

Common terms and phrases

References to this book

Media Spectacle
Douglas Kellner
No preview available - 2003
All Book Search results »

About the author (2001)

Anne Simon, Ph.D., is a professor in the department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics at the University of Maryland, College Park, and an editor of the international journal Virology. She lives in Bowie, Maryland.

Bibliographic information