Scientists have drawn inspiration from science fiction when naming theories, phenomena, branches of study, and more. Here are six examples:
1. Robotics – first mentioned in Isaac Asimov’s 1941 story “Liar!”
2. Genetic engineering – first mentioned in Dragon’s Island by Jack Williamson
3. Zero-g – first mentioned in Islands in the Sky by Arthur C. Clarke
4. Deep space – coined by one of the earliest science fiction writers, E.E. “Doc” Smith, in 1934
5. Computer virus – from Dave Gerrold’s 1972 story “When Harlie Was One”
6. Computer worm – from Shockwave Rider by Dave Gerrold
(Source: Oxford University Press)
Similar Articles:
- The Forms Fiction Can Take – A classic story has several key elements, including character, conflict, and resolution. But you can…
- Word to the Wise: Grok – To "grok" (GRAWK) is slang for "to understand," especially in a profound and int…
- It’s Good to Know: The Latest Hacking Technology – Anti-virus software, firewalls, spyware blockers. Our computers are full of features to stop hackers…
- It’s Good to Know: The Grawlix – Writers and cartoonists commonly use a series of symbols to indicate bad language. For example: $%#@…
- Troubleshooting Tip: Is That Website Really Down? – You’re trying to check your e-mail account or your favorite online news site… but the homepage jus…
- It’s Fun to Know: The Original Chocoholics – Researchers analyzing 3,000-year-old pottery shards from Honduras have found evidence of the earlies…
- The Silkworm Diet – Chinese researchers at Beihang University have been looking at the problem of how to feed astronauts…