What The If?

Team IF is OFF this week, we're celebrating Gaby becoming DR. GABY with the completion of her PhD at Rockefeller University!!! We're super proud of her.

So this week we present this encore presentation of one of our most popular episodes, enjoy, and keep those emails coming! WhatTheIF.com/contact -- and send your congratulations to Gaby!

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We salute our newest Patreon members. Thank you: Connie, Martin, and Dan!

Welcome to an icy exploration of reality on this episode of "What The IF?" Dive headfirst into a brain-freezing alternate universe, as Philip, Freya, Gabby, and Matt grapple with an extraordinary question, submitted by our Super Iffer listener, Martin from Frankfurt: What the if... water did not have its highest density at plus four degrees Celsius? The team embarks on an adventure that treads the fine line between physics and biology, unwrapping the counter-intuitive conundrums and startling possibilities that lie ahead.

In this bewildering world, ice doesn't float and frozen lakes become deadly traps for aquatic life. Discover how this slight shift in water's properties could send catastrophic ripples through ecosystems, extinguishing fish populations and upsetting the balance of life. The conversation spans from the microscopic intricacies of water molecules and the life-saving 'anti-freeze' proteins in fish, all the way to the grand scale of planetary bodies.

The team also makes a cosmic detour to Europa, a moon of Jupiter, reputed to hold more water than Earth, highlighting the universal significance of water's unique properties. Could life exist in a world where water behaves differently? Listen in, as the team freezes the status quo and takes you on a fascinating journey through the ice-cold unknown.

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Listen to Gaby's guest appearance on the “Students of Life” podcast: studentsoflife.podbean.com/e/science-c…on-writing/

Find out more about Gaby's upcoming science fiction short story publication, coming soon!

Here are the links for the anthology. The physical copy can be pre-ordered here : www.neonhemlock.com/books/luminesce…ental-invention

The ebook can be pre-ordered here: www.neonhemlock.com/ebooks/luminesc…ental-invention

This week on "What The IF?" Philip and Gaby tackle the uproarious tale of a fish so small it could masquerade as a grain of rice, yet so loud it puts rock concerts to shame! In the streams of Myanmar, this tiny troubadour belts out love ballads louder than a jackhammer to woo its mate. The episode dives into the science behind why this minuscule creature needs to be heard, not just seen. Join us for a soundcheck in nature's own concert hall, where volume is the key to romance and survival. Get ready to turn up the volume and tune in to one of nature's smallest but mightiest vocalists.

Inspired by the reporting of Elizabeth Anne Brown in the Scientific American article, “This Tiny Fish Makes an Ear-Blasting Screech for Love” https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/this-tiny-fish-makes-an-ear-blasting-screech-for-love/

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Find out more about Gaby's science fiction short story!

Here are the links for the anthology. The physical copy can be ordered here : https://www.neonhemlock.com/books/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

The ebook can be ordered here: https://www.neonhemlock.com/ebooks/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

Dive into the mysteries of the "Infinite Library" in this enthralling episode! Join our adventurers as they explore a hypothetical library filled with an infinite number of books, where every conceivable thought and theory is penned down. Discover the humorous possibilities of encountering books written by alternate versions of yourself, or even navigating a library so vast you might need a thread to find your way back. From theoretical skeletons holding coveted books to the amusing pitfalls of infinite knowledge, this episode offers a whimsical journey through a limitless repository of human—and possibly non-human—wisdom.

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Find out more about Gaby's science fiction short story!

Here are the links for the anthology. The physical copy can be ordered here : https://www.neonhemlock.com/books/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

The ebook can be ordered here: https://www.neonhemlock.com/ebooks/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

Embark on a mind-bending thought experiment as our intrepid explorers dive deep into the annals of history, imagining how early humans might have unraveled the mysteries of solar eclipses. From cave paintings to mythical tales of celestial dragons, join the journey as Throg and his tribe attempt to make sense of the sun's sudden disappearance. Join us as we ponder the birth of astronomy and the evolution of scientific thinking.

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Find out more about Gaby's science fiction short story!

Here are the links for the anthology. The physical copy can be ordered here : https://www.neonhemlock.com/books/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

The ebook can be ordered here: https://www.neonhemlock.com/ebooks/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

Dive into an electrifying journey where the unthinkable becomes reality – a world without the power to read! In this episode, inspired by a brilliant thought experiment from Lars in Sweden, we plunge into a universe where humanity wakes up to find all written language undecipherable. Imagine your phone, books, and even street signs turning into incomprehensible symbols overnight. How would this sudden shift affect our daily lives, technologies, and the very fabric of society? From exploring the immediate chaos to the long-term adaptations, such as a resurgence of the oral tradition and the pivotal role of video as our new primary knowledge repository, we unravel the consequences of this global phenomenon. It's a compelling blend of speculation and science that will fascinate anyone intrigued by the foundations of communication and the resilience of human ingenuity in the face of unprecedented challenges. Tune in and ponder, what if the human race could suddenly no longer read?

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Find out more about Gaby's science fiction short story!

Here are the links for the anthology. The physical copy can be ordered here : https://www.neonhemlock.com/books/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

The ebook can be ordered here: https://www.neonhemlock.com/ebooks/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

Our special guest Chris Carberry of EXPLORE MARS, author of the new book THE MUSIC OF SPACE joins us! We imagine a civilization on a distant, cloud-covered planet called Seattle Nine. Their only glimpse into the universe beyond comes from intercepting old Earth movies and TV shows, which they believe to be real documentaries about space. As they piece together the evolution of space travel through the music in these films, a fascinating picture emerges. From the Wagnerian scores of early sci-fi to the brassy themes of Star Wars, they conclude that each alien species has its own musical soundtrack, that space itself changes sound over time, and that music may even be the key to communicating with extraterrestrial life. Join us on a humorous journey into the music of space exploration, as seen through the eyes of our fictional cosmic neighbors.

Learn more about Chris’ book, THE MUSIC OF SPACE on Amazon

https://a.co/d/31F8gEP

Barnes & Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-music-of-space-chris-carberry/1143391721

and wherever you get your books!

Learn more about EXPLORE MARS’ incredible annual conference, The HUMANS TO MARS SUMMIT at https://www.ExploreMars.org. Sign up now for the upcoming event, May 7-8, 2024 in Washington D.C.

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Find out more about Gaby's science fiction short story!

Here are the links for the anthology. The physical copy can be ordered here : https://www.neonhemlock.com/books/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

The ebook can be ordered here: https://www.neonhemlock.com/ebooks/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

Intriguing documents lost to history could be recovered with futuristic technology, offering insights into ancient civilizations and solving long-standing historical mysteries. From the burnt scrolls of Herculaneum and missing books of the Iliad, to the construction plans of the Egyptian pyramids and the mechanical wonders of the Antikythera mechanism, a magical book-reading device could unveil the secrets of the past. Even the recovery of early Christian gospels or the original intentions behind the U.S. Constitution could shake up our understanding of religion and law. Join this captivating exploration into how lost knowledge might be regained.

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Find out more about Gaby's science fiction short story!

Here are the links for the anthology. The physical copy can be ordered here : https://www.neonhemlock.com/books/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

The ebook can be ordered here: https://www.neonhemlock.com/ebooks/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

In a bizarre thought experiment ripped from a headline in Scientific American, we explore a world where humans have developed a genetic mutation similar to some Labrador retrievers that causes constant hunger. This leads us down a hilarious path of imagining cities with celery slurry piped to every home, space missions needing to carry vast tanks of liquified celery, and foosball becoming the new national pastime in a low-energy society. Join us as we follow this delightfully absurd scenario to its conclusion and have some laughs about our least favorite vegetable.

In this episode, we dive into a thought-provoking journey of what could happen if humanity had to restart on Earth after different timeframes due to a complete extinction event. Imagine waking up as a clone with no prior knowledge of the world, or as a human re-seeded by aliens or from other human colonies. We explore scenarios spanning 100 years to 10,000 years, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for rebuilding civilization. From the survival of concrete structures and the resilience of certain animals and plants to the rediscovery of lost technology and the potential misinterpretation of our current day objects as ancient artifacts, this episode navigates the fascinating concept of repopulating Earth. Tune in to unravel the complexities of starting from scratch, the impact of time on the remnants of human civilization, and how future generations might interpret the artifacts left behind by us. This imaginative exploration, inspired by a listener named Aurie from Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia, promises to spark curiosity and wonder about the resilience and adaptability of humanity and the legacy we leave behind. Listen now at http://whattheif.com/ to join us on this extraordinary speculative adventure.

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Find out more about Gaby's science fiction short story!

Here are the links for the anthology. The physical copy can be ordered here : https://www.neonhemlock.com/books/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

The ebook can be ordered here: https://www.neonhemlock.com/ebooks/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention

Our podcast episode embarks on a thought-provoking adventure led by the curiosity of Lars from Sweden. Imagine a society where modern conveniences and technological advancements are powered not by electricity, but by steam and sheer ingenuity. From the whimsical to the profound, we delve into the implications of such a world, exploring everything from the resurgence of gas lighting and the peculiar logistics of podcast delivery, to the potential environmental impacts and the quirky ways we might communicate across the globe. Join us as we ponder the steampunk-esque realities, laugh at the absurdities of daily life powered by alternative means, and marvel at the human capacity to adapt and innovate.