The Science of Star Trek with Dr. Charles Liu

Find out more about Bitdefender’s two decades of unparalleled cybersecurity excellence: https://bitdefend.me/StarTalkTA Could we create warp drive someday? In this Star Trek-themed episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-host Chuck Nice team up with astrophysicist Charles Liu to dive into the science, technology, and legacy of one of the most influential sci-fi franchises of all time: Star Trek. We answer questions about quantum entanglement, the size of electrons, and the real science behind Trek tech or Treknology. How close are we to warp drives, transporters, and subspace communication? You might be surprised to hear what’s theoretically possible and what remains in the realm of science fiction. We discuss technology that exists already and the solutions to storytelling challenges through warp drives and dilithium crystals. Learn about the show’s physics, from phasers and antimatter to the mycelium network’s fascinating parallels with fungal biology. How do you store antimatter without it annihilating? Plus, find out who everyone’s favorite characters are and who they relate to most. As we reflect on the series’ 23rd-century vision, we ask: Could humanity achieve Trek-level tech by 2260? We discuss the physics we’re missing and the collective imagination and determination it takes to advance our understanding of the universe. Get ‘The Handy Quantum Physics Answer Book’: https://amzn.to/4frhizV Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Star Trek 03:54 - The Size of an Electron 05:37 - The Technology in Star Trek 15:40 - Laser, phasers, and Transporters 23:40 - Warp Speed and the Expansion of the Universe 27:18 - Favorite Star Trek Characters 33:54 - Is Faster Than Light Travel Possible? 37:32 - How to Contain Antimatter 41:58 - Will We Ever Get the Tech in Star Trek? 46:38 - Star Trek Trivia A Cosmic perspective Check out our second channel, @StarTalkPlus Get the NEW StarTalk book, 'To Infinity and Beyond: A Journey of Cosmic Discovery' on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PL0NFn Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalk About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson