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)
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