Fringe Friday Flashback: Science Of Fringe

If you haven't been following Fringe online since the very beginning, there may be a few interesting Fringe stories that you may have missed. Every week on Fringe Friday Flashback, we will look back and some interesting posts from the past that might be worth a second look.



Back in August 2008, even before the first Fringe episode aired, the Fox promotional machine was running at full throttle. "Science Of Fringe" was a short series of videos that explained various fields of Fringe science: Neuroimaging, Telekinesis, Paranormal, and Nanotechnology.

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John Noble to explore fringe research in freaky new Science Channel show-EXCLUSIVE

John Noble to explore fringe research in freaky new Science Channel show -- EXCLUSIVE
by James Hibberd

How perfect is this: Science Channel is teaming with Fringe star John Noble to host a show about, yup, real-life bizarre experiments.

In Dark Matters, Noble explores the most unusual scientific research ever conducted — including head transplantation studies, actual zombie investigations (!) and attempts to cross-breed humans and those damn dirty apes (trailer below).

“The stories we share in Dark Matters are as outlandish as a great sci-fi script or as disturbing as a classic horror tale — the only difference is that they’re all true,” Noble said. “The series offers a glimpse into the dark side of science, as well as human nature.”
The show will use reenactments and CGI to tell the true stories of sometimes ethically challenged experiments throughout history.

“Dark Matters offers a fascinating insight into moments of scientific history where individuals went to extreme measures to achieve a breakthrough,” said Debbie Adler Myers, general manager and executive vp of Science. “It’s impossible to turn away from these true stories that you always assumed were just outlandish urban legends. This is real science — just the dark side of it, featuring brilliant minds who eventually took a dramatic turn. John Noble is the perfect tour guide to escort viewers through this sordid world of research gone horribly wrong, but in some cases, led us the technology and science that we enjoy today.”

Dark Matters has an initial series order of six episodes and debuts Aug. 31 at 10 p.m.

And, hello, here’s a preview:

Source:insidetv.ew.com

The Science Of Fringe

The non-profit organization Science Olympiad has teamed up with FOX in creating Fringe-themed lesson plans that use the show to teach about real scientific phenomena.



For example, last weeks episode "The Man From the Other Side" is used to discuss bioelectricity, the study of how electromagnetic fields interact with cells and tissues, and how the muscular system requires the use of electric potentials.

Lesson plans for the last five episodes are available for download at Fox.com/fringe/fringe-science

Fringe Theory: Manhatan and the Alternate Universe

Many people have noticed that in the opening sequence of the Fringe episode Jacksonville, the city of Manhattan is misspelled "Manhatan". Could this really be just a typo? Not a chance. This was the first hint that the opening scene started out in the alternate universe!



There are other odd things that could have been a tip-off: the strange reaction to seeing coffee (perhaps due to the "blight" mentioned in Grey Matters), and the blueprints for a "new" Pentagon.



Ted Pratchet can be seen wearing a wedding ring though out the scene, and we learn later that our Ted Pratchet was never married. And just for fun, there was even a photo of the Twin Towers on the wall of the office.

So what exactly happened? It was the reverse of Walter's car experiment. Thomas Newton's experiment transported the Dodst & Rathje building from "Manhatan" in the alternate universe, which collided with the Manhattan building in our universe. At the end of the episode, the universe compensated by taking the Brayson Place Hotel.

FringeBusters 208: August

For each episode of Fringe, Popular Mechanics asks experts to analyzes the science of Fringe, and separate the science fact from the science fiction.

For "August," PM consults etymologist Rex Curry about deciphering ancient codes and symbols to see how (and if) it can be done.

Fringe got its facts right: Language does require repetition, and cracking complex codes requires some sort of key that compares codes to another language. For now, it seems that Astrid and her Fringe compatriots are out of luck when it comes to unlocking the mysteries inside the Observer's notebook.

You can read the full article a Popular Mechanics: Fringe Is on the Right Track With Code-Cracking Science

You can read other "Fringebusters" posts here.

Fringe Theory: Alternate Realities, Parallel Universes, and Mutliverses

The use of alternate realities in Fringe could potentially open up a Pandora's box of infinite universes. This could lead to the "Heroes" problem where, among other things, no one really dies because you can always go back in time and rescue them (or in Fringe - another multiverse.)

"Lost" potentially had similar problem with its healing island and time travel, but they were prescient enough to create two paradox busting rules: when you die on Lost you are dead, and you can't change what happens in the past because the time-line will self correct.

Fortunately, similar "rules" have been established for Fringe to keep the show easier to follow and solve some of the side effects of inter-dimensional travel.

#1 - "In string theory, there are infinite alternate universes, but we've treated it as two, trying not to bite off more than we can chew."

Fringe executive producer and "showrunner" Jeff Pinkner has stated this in many interviews - There are only TWO alternate realities in Fringe: Shape-shifting soldiers, and alive Peter come from the Alternate Reality, and as far as we know Olivia, Walter, dead Peter, etc come form Our Reality. William Bell is from our reality, but is living (hiding out?) in the alternate reality.

#2 - "There is a one-to-one time correlation, and also geography. If you are in NY in the alternate reality, you are in NY here."

We have seen this several times - in Broyles' office, the burning Boston, the two charred bodies. It only became confusing when Olivia teleported to the Twin Towers, which was initially though to be her crossing over and changing location at the same time. It turns out the elevator must have been just a teleportation device, because Olivia was already in the alternate universe.

#3 - "Have we been secretively 'over there' when there weren't clues? No. When Olivia crosses over, she will be aware and the audience will be aware. We're not trying to trick anybody."

Pinker explained this in a recent TV Guide quote. However, last season may have been a little bit of a trick - even though we knew eventually that Olivia crossed over, it was only recently revealed that it happened during the car crash, and not in the elevator.

BTW, If you need a refresher course on Multiverse theory, here's a funny explanation from Stewie of Family Guy:

FringeBusters 202: Night Of Desirable Objects

For each episode of Fringe, Popular Mechanics asks experts to analyzes the science of Fringe, and separate the science fact from the science fiction.

For "Night Of Desirable Objects," PM consults Dr. Richard Myers of Stanford University's Department of Genetics and the president and director of the Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology to find out if real-life mutants are possible:

We won't ever have to worry about Fringe's part-mole-rat, part-scorpion, part-human mutant in real life because it's not within the realm of possibility. "But I don't think it was completely off-base to consider what would happen if we manipulated a human embryo extensively, but took care to make it viable"

You can read the full article a Popular Mechanics: Fringe's Human Mutant Not Possible, Says Expert

You can read other "Fringebusters" posts here.

Fringe: Explore The Pattern

A new section titled "Explore The Pattern" has opened on the official Fringe website -Fox.com/Fringe. ETP is a collection of fringe science articles arranged in an elaborate galaxy pattern. Clicking on one of the "stars" takes you to an article or video on the fringe topic. For example, clicking on "Multiverse" link will zoom you into that section, where you can play a BBC video on the subject titled From Universe To Multiverse, Are You Ready?, or link to other related topics.


You can vote on whether you think the information is real or a hoax, or you can even upload your own "evidence". The files can also be arranged in a tradition grid pattern, or even searched if you are looking for something specific.

UPDATE: Here is the complete list of Fringe science topics covered:

Abiogenesis, Antigravity, Artificial Intelligence, Astral Projection, Bacteria, Behavior Modification, Biofeedback, Biogenesis, Biotechnology, Bioterrorism, Biowarfare, Black Hole, Brane Theory, Channeling, Chemtrails, Clairaudience, Clairvoyance, Cloning, Cold Fusion, Collective Consciousness, Collective Unconscious, Cosmology, Crop Circle, Cryogenics, Cryokinesis, Cryonics, Cryptography, Cybernetic Organisms, Dark Energy, Dark Matter, Dreamscape, Dyson Sphere, Empathy, Entheogens, Epidemic, Epigenetics, Epizootic, Evolution, Evolutionary Psychology, Exogenesis, Extrasensory Perception (ESP), Free Energy, Fungi, Genetic Therapy, Genomics, Hallucination, Holography, Hypnosis, Invisibility, Levitation, Life Extension, Lucid Dreaming, Materialization, Mind Control, Mind Reading, Multiverse, Mutation, Nanotechnology, Neural Network, Neurochemicals, Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP), Neuroscience, Orgone Energy, Panspermia, Parallel Universe, Parapsychology, Past Life Regression, Perpetual Motion, Pheromones, Plasmonics, Precognition, Primal Therapy, Psychic Surgery, Psychoactive Substances, Psychokinesis, Psychology, Psychometry, Psychopharmacology, Pyrokinesis, Quantum Cosmology, Quantum Entanglement, Quantum Mechanics, Reanimation, Reincarnation, Relativity, Remote Sensing, Retrocognition, Retroviral Therapy, Robotics, Sheep Circles, String Theory, Superconductors, Suspended Animation, Synesthesia, Tachyons, Telekinesis, Telepathy, Teleportation, Time Dilation, Time Travel, Transgenic Organisms, Transmogrification, Viruses, Weather Modification, Wormhole, and Zero-Point Energy

It looks like there are lots of hidden things to find on the site, as random images will appear while you are browsing the site. Let us know what you find in the comments!

FringeBusters 201: A New Day In The Old Town

For each episode of Fringe, Popular Mechanics asks experts to analyzes the science of Fringe, and separate the science fact from the science fiction.

For "A New Day In The Old Town," PM consults neurologist Justin Sattin, to discuss head trauma:

"This whole idea that people pop out of a coma is silly," Sattin says. "People recover slowly from these kinds of injuries. But again, if you are at the point when you are talking about end-of-life care, the idea that you're just going to defy the odds and suddenly open up your eyes is incongruous. That the woman in the show would have impending herniation but yet not be mechanically ventilated and then suddenly wake up normal is preposterous."

Mr. Sattin had no comment on shape-shifting soldiers from alternate realities.

You can read the full article a Popular Mechanics: Fringe Season Two Premiere Misrepresents Head Trauma

You can read other "Fringebusters" posts here.

Blu-ray Exclusive: Fringe Pattern Analysis

One of the exclusive features found only on the Blu-ray edition of Fringe Season 1, is the "Fringe Pattern Analysis", which mixes Fringe's science with expert commentary, show notes, photos, and diagrams. There are six different episodes that are analyzed. Here is the FPA from the Fringe episode "The Transformation".

More Fringe At Comic-Con 2009

In addition to the Saturday Fringe Screening at this year's Comic-Con, there is also an additional Fringe related panel on Thursday, titled "Mad Science: The Science Behind Science Fiction"

Mad Science: The Science Behind Science Fiction
Thursday, July 23rd, 6:00-7:00
Discover magazine and the National Academy of Sciences’ Science and Entertainment Exchange explore science as a double-edged sword—ethically and morally neutral in and of itself, but it depends on who wields it and how. Join moderator Phil Plait (Discover magazine contributing editor and blogger), Jaime Paglia (co-creator and executive producer of Eureka), Kevin Grazier (science consultant Eureka, Virtuality), Jane Espenson (executive producer Dollhouse, Battlestar Galactica, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Rob Chiappetta & Glenn Whitman (staff writers, Fringe) and Ricardo Gil da Costa (neuroscientist and consultant on Fringe) for a lively and fun discussion on science used for good vs. evil. Followed by Q&A. Room 6DE

* Thanks to Hijinx for the heads up!

Fringebusters 120: Science of There's More Than One Of Everything

For each episode of Fringe, Popular Mechanics asks experts to analyzes the science of Fringe, and separate the science fact from the science fiction.

For "The Road Not Taken," PM brings in Michio Kaku, physicist and author of Physics of the Impossible, to discuss Alternate Reality theory. According to Kaku:

There are numerous theories in physic that pertain to the existence of parallel universes—and Fringe is combining two of these theories. The first, called the "Many Worlds Theory," is widely accepted by theoretical physicists. "The universe splits every time a decision is made," Kaku explains. "One tiny quantum event could separate us from another reality." In "M-theory," on the other hand, our universe is an expanding membrane, sort of like a bubble—and there could be other bubbles out there. "These other universes, these bubbles, most of them are probably dead universes, so we don't have to worry about them,"

PM: Fringe Season Finale Flirts With Theoretical Physics

You can read other "Fringebusters" posts here.

Fringebusters 119: Science of The Road Not Taken

For each episode of Fringe, Popular Mechanics asks experts to analyzes the science of Fringe, and separate the science fact from the science fiction.

For "The Road Not Taken," PM brings in Dr. Steven Novella, Yale neurologist and founder of the New England Skeptic Society, to discuss Spontaneous Human Combustion.

PM: Fringe takes on Spontaneous Human Combustion, Gets Burned

You can read other "Fringebusters" posts here.

Fringebusters 118: Science of Midnight

For each episode of Fringe, Popular Mechanics asks experts to analyzes the science of Fringe, and separate the science fact from the science fiction.

For "Midnight," PM brings in Dr. Justin Sattin, an assistant professor of neurology at the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Wisconsin, to discuss the science behind spinal fluid–drinking monsters.

PM: Fringe Takes on Spinal Fluid: The Science Misses the Mark

Fringebusters 117: Science of Bad Dreams

For each episode of Fringe, Popular Mechanics asks experts to analyzes the science of Fringe, and separate the science fact from the science fiction.

For "Bad Dreams," PM brings in Doug Kirsch, a clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School and Regional Director of Sleep Health Centers in Boston, James C. Harris, a professor of Psychiatry of Behavioral Sciences, Pediatrics and Mental Hygiene at The Johns Hopkins University, and Dr. William Jack, a parapsychology expert at Franklin Pierce College, to discuss Sleep Science and Parapsychology.

PM: Fringe's Parapsychology and Sleep Science are Slim on Facts

Fringebusters 116: Unleashed

For each episode of Fringe, Popular Mechanics asks experts to analyzes the science of Fringe, and separate the science fact from the science fiction.

For "Unleashed," PM brings in Malcolm Low, a senior scientist and Head of the Transgenic Animal Core at Oregon Health & Science University, and Larry Young, a professor at Emory University's Yerkes National Primate Center, to answer the question: Is Fringe's Genetic Monster Possible?

One of the most interesting quotes from the piece comes from Low:

"The idea of this chimeric creature, to me, could be believable in the sense that, over the eons, natural processes have changed creatures on gene at a time, and we've seen all kinds of things come and go," he says. "But to engineer that in one step would involve so many changes all at once. Nobody has a way to do that."

Not yet...

Fringebusters 115: Inner Child

For each episode of Fringe, Popular Mechanics asks experts to analyzes the science of Fringe, and separate the science fact from the science fiction.

For "Inner Child," PM brings in Dr. John L. Petrini, President of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and chief of gastroenterology at Sansum Clinic, to answer the question: Could Someone Really Survive Without Lactobacillus?

PopularMechanics.com: Fringe's Stomach Science is Part Fact, Part Fiction

Fringebusters: The Dreamscape

Each week, Popular Mechanics brings in experts to analyzes the science of Fringe, and separate the science fact from the science fiction.

For the latest episode of Fringe, "The Dreamscape," their resident brain expert tackles the memory-erasing experiment and fatal hallucinations.

PopularMechanics.com: How Fringe Gets Memory Science Wrong: Hollywood Fact vs. Fiction

Is Fringe Getting Better? What About the Science?

The crowd over at TVbytheNumbers thinks so. They're decidedly bullish on Fringe:

House dominated the evening in terms of the youth demos, and Fringe won the demos for its hour and was second in demo performance only to House, though the House lead-in is definitely helping as Fringe slipped by about 800K viewers and more than 10% in the demos from the first half hour to the second.

Viewers (Millions) 10.04, 18-49 Rating/Share 4.3/11, 18-34 Rating/Share 3.9/11

bob says:

fringe is getting better each week. fringe had its best episode last night, good to see it did well in the demo and hit also hit 10 million viewers, which it was unable to do last week. I think fringe will be fine, especailly with the demo it pulls in each week...

Meanwhile over at Popular Mechanics, Kate Schweitzer has filed another installment (her third) of Fringebusters, but makes no mention of Fringe's nod to fellow Popular Mechanics' Fringebuster, S.E. Kramer.

Fringebusters - Science vs. Reality

Popular Mechanics has been running a per-episode series of articles (1, 2, 3) examining whether the 'science' on Fox's Fringe is reality based or factually challenged?

The Dapper Alchemist took a similar approach with his dissection of The Same Old Story. Update: TDA has posted a second dissection, this one of Episode 103 - The Ghost Network.

Fringe is of course science fiction, so separating out those elements of the show which are grounded in real science from those that aren't, isn't exactly criticism even though it may sound like it. Nevertheless, Fringe did raise the bar for itself when its creators--J.J. Abrams, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman--all confessed to turning to real science news for inspiration.

That said, we thought it might be fun to have our own weekly series on the science of Fringe. If you'd be interested in writing it up, putting it together or editing it (read: It would be your column, so it would be up to you how it was written), drop me a note () or leave a comment with your proposal or suggestions.