We focus primarily on fantasy/science fiction topics on Science, Space & Robots. However, we sometimes cover a topic related to fantasy or science fiction or a creature that has been named after a famous character from a fantasy or science fiction film. This section contains posts about these types of topics.
Amoeba's Carapace Resembles Gandalf's Wizard Hat
A new species of microorganism has been named after the wizard Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings. The amoeba's carapace resembles the wizard's hat. (February 20, 2017)
New Spiny Ant Species Named After Game of Thrones Dragons
Two new species of ants with large spines were named after dragons in the Game of Thrones series. (July 27, 2016)
New Fish Species Named After Zorro
A new species of Pacu has been named after the fictional character Zorro. It was first discovered in 2007. (March 23, 2016)
Climb Mountains to Escape Zombies Say Scientists
Cornell University researchers suggest heading for the hills and climbing up mountains to escape a zombie outbreak. (March 5, 2015)
Ancient Crocodilian Named After Balrog From Lord of the Rings
An ancient 16-foot-long crocodilian has been named after the fictional Balrog creature in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. (May 27, 2014)
New Wasp Species Named After Dementors From Harry Potter
A new wasp species, Ampulex dementor, has been named after the soul sucking Dementors from the Harry Potter series. (April 26, 2014)
Death Cologne Could Save You From Zombies Say Scientists
Chemist Raychelle Burks, Ph.D. has the recipe for a Death Cologne that makes you smell like a rotting corpse and could potentailly save you in a zombie apocalypse. (March 24, 2014)
New Sea Slug Species Named After Khaleesi on Game of Thrones
New sea slug species, Tritonia khaleesi, named after Khaleesi from Game of Thrones. It was found off the coast of Brazil. (January 19, 2014)
Tiny Octopus-Like Microorganisms Named After Lovecraft's Cthulhu
Scientists have named tiny octopus-like microorganisms after fictional monsters created by American horror author H.P. Lovecraft. (April 3, 2013)
NOAA: No Evidence of Aquatic Humanoids Has Ever Been Found
NOAA says there has never been any evidence of mermaids or aquatic humanoids discovered. (July 4, 2012)
CDC Publishes Preparedness 101: Zombie Pandemic Graphic Novel
The CDC wants everyone to know what to do should an actual zombie threat materialize. (October 24, 2011)
Kate Winslet Admires Infectious Disease Experts
Actress Kate Winslet played Dr. (September 12, 2011)
CDC Publishes Zombie Preparedness Kit
The CDC has published information about preparing for an upcoming zombie apocalypse. (May 18, 2011)
NASA: 2012 is the Most Absurd Science Fiction Film Ever Made
NASA has named Roland Emmerich's disaster film, 2012, as the most absurd sci-fi film ever made. (January 4, 2011)
Flying Whales and Balloon Plants
Wired reports on a documentary project by National Geograpic to create fictitious alien life forms for a planet called Aurelia and lunar orb called Blue Moon. (March 23, 2006)
The Multi-ton Megasquids are Coming
Yes, humans are doomed and the megasquids are destined to take our place -- if Dougal Dixon and John Adams authors of The Future is Wild are correct. (May 9, 2005)
Could Dragons Have Been Real?
The Animal PLanet produced a faux documentary show about the discovery of a frozen dragon carcass in a cave. (March 21, 2005)