Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Glinik, N.
The influence of science fiction on medical science with emphasis on the musculo-skeletal system
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Medical University of Graz; 2014. pp. 98
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Leithner Andreas
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- Abstract:
- INTRODUCTION: In 2014, science fiction has found its way into everyday life. This thesis aims to illuminate the context between science fiction and scientific fact, concentrating on the field of orthopedics. Science studies phenomena of the material world by observation and experimentation and produces models of reality. Science fiction extends these hypotheses and projects them into the future. To satisfy the inexhaustible thirst for knowledge, we have to overcome dusty theories. Motivating was the fact, that some fictional ideas have become reality. Prospectively, we can be sure that even eccentric inventions and theories have the potential to serve as an inspiration for scientific research. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Challenging was the commission to find science-fiction literature and movies with orthopedic reference. A message board was consulted for idea generation. Then it had to be validated if the described technologies were scientifically approved. This was done with the help of PubMed database and google search engine. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were evaluated for every single keyword. Due to topicality, not every science-fiction finding could be matched with scientific evidence. This was overcome by consulting newspapers and magazines, as well as TV-reports and documentaries. Alas, the scientific material dealing with the context of science-fiction and medical science was few and far between. RESULTS: Most ideas and techniques existed in science-fiction before they found their way into reality. Exceptions are autografts and prosthetics. For the most part, researchers have taken science-fiction as an example. Illustrating is the technology of 3D printers, which helped to rebuild a lower jaw in 2012. The idea is based on the novel Cantata 140 (1964). Also the invention of bone putty in 2009 originates in a science-fiction story from 1962. Supersuits, like seen in Batman-Comics (1939 – present), inspired engineers in 2010 to create exoskeletons, which help paraplegic people to walk again. An advancement in orthopedics which was feared to replace surgeons in the 1980s is ROBODOC. Larry Niven provides the template of autodocs in his story Ringworld (1970). DISCUSSION: Comparing science-fiction with medical science may seem far-fetched. Nevertheless, the fact that some mundane inventions originate in fictional ideas proves that it is worth to cast an eye on science-fiction. The hypothesis that science-fiction has an influence on medical science can be supported. Progress in the 21st century occurs rapidly. Hence, science-fiction can be a source of ideas when obstacles in science are being met, by projecting existing ideas into the future. Endowed with new technologies, nothing seems impossible. Ultimately, we have to overcome our fears, control our creations and always remember that only a human mind can take responsibility for actions.