In this episode, we explore the biology of Danny Rand, AKA The Immortal Iron Fist! We dig into biomechanics of extreme movement, compensating for extreme forces and evolutionary tradeoffs of extreme performance. We chat with Dr. Sheila Patek of Duke University, who studies evolutionary biomechanics to get the lowdown on The Protector of K’un-Lun and nature’s real life Iron Fist, the mantis shrimp. How fast is the fastest strike in the Tree of Life? What would happen if The Iron Fist punched Luke Cage? Is it even possible to generate light and heat with a single punch? Take a listen a find out!
Music by: The Passion HiFiwww.thepassionhifi.com

Episode 10: The Immortal Iron Fist - Biology of a Living Weapon

Superheroes and science fiction meet the cutting edge of biological sciences in this podcast. Where does the science meet the fiction? Listen and find out! If you have suggestions for a topic or would like to be a featured guest, please contact biologyofsuperheroes@gmail.com

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Science

In this episode Shane and Arien discuss the insect arsenal of Scott Lang (Antman) and his predecessor, Dr. Hank Pym. Shane interviews Dr. Corrie Moreau of Cornell University about ant weaponry, ant communication and the science behind Antman's helmet. How do ants organize to perform such complicated tasks? What has made them one of the most successful groups of animals on the planet? Which ant species has the most unbearable sting? Take a listen and find out!
 
Music by: The Passion Hifi

Episode 16: Antman - The Biology of Ants

In this episode, we tackle the weird and otherworldly ecosystem of The Upside Down. Shane and Arien are joined in The Lab by biologist, PhD student and science communicator, Angela Manci. We chat about dark and barren ecosystems and how animals evolve to cope with these extreme environments. We also tackle the complex life cycle of the Demogorgan and its fascinating symbiotic relationship with The Mind Flayer. Check it out!
Music By The Passion HiFiwww.thepassionhifi.com

Episode 15: Stranger Things - The Biology of The Upside Down

We’re bringing a close to 2019 by wrapping up our two-part series on the Incredible Hulk. We continue our conversation about Bruce Banner by focusing on the psychology of stress and how its shapes our personalities. I sit down with clinical psychologist and host of The Arkham Sessions, Dr. Andrea Letamendi. We talk about the psychological impacts of early childhood trauma in Bruce Banner's life, what it’s like for two distinct personalities to occupy the same brain and the psychological benefits of finding our inner Smart Hulk. Check it out!
Music By The Passion HiFiwww.thepassionhifi.com

Episode 14: The Incredible Hulk (Part 2) - The Psychology of Stress

In this minisode we wrap up November 2019 chatting about the latest and greatest in the world of comic books and science, shout out some listener comments AND answer some burning questions straight from you!!!

TBOSP Minisode 2: November 2019

In the first part of this month's episode we explore Bruce Banner and The Incredible Hulk through the lens of physiological stress. We chat with stress physiologist Dr. Michelle Rensel to explore what our bodies go through when we are stressed and how exposure to stressful events can impact us later in life....or even future generations. We chat about anxiety, societal implications and health outcomes. This conversation is heavier than some of our other comic book explorations, but it's absolutely fascinating - check it out!
Music By The Passion HiFiwww.thepassionhifi.com

Episode 10: The Immortal Iron Fist - Biology of a Living Weapon

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