The Science of the Impossible

Like anyone, I have interest in many different topics. One topic in particular that I'm interested in is fringe science.

What’s fringe science?

What fringe science is can be quite complex as it involves many different theories some of which are bizarre and open for speculation and debate.

It's a science that blurs the line between mainstream and pseudo-science. It consists of theories that are not part of mainstream science which have already been established yet unlike pseudo-science, it still involves the scientific method.

I think I’ve always been interested in the idea but didn’t realize it had a name! I could spend a whole evening on YouTube watching videos on fringe theories!

One such series that has increased and even inspired my interest in fringe science is the TV show Fringe. If you like science fiction, I highly recommend you give this series a watch!

One thing I love about fringe science is that it involves so much speculation!

Some notable examples of fringe science include:

Cryptozoology:

The study of creatures whose existence is unverified and have not been recognized in science.

Cryptozoology translates to "the study of hidden animals". These hidden animals refer to legendary mythical creatures such as Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster (Nessie) and the Chupacabra). It also includes extinct animals thought to still exist.

While there is heavy debate and some wild theories within the field of cryptozoology, many cultures if not all around the world have their own local legends about some for cryptid. Despite the ridicule along with the support, cryptids are still being seen and reported around the world.

Parapsychology:

The study of psychic phenomena and the transfer of information which seems to defy the laws of physics.

Telepathy, telekinesis, and ESP

This is such an interesting type of fringe science especially if you are a fan of the paranormal and the supernatural as it also includes the study of ghosts and hauntings.

Parapsychology goes beyond the five senses. It studies mental abilities that are often rebuked by scientists as being real such as telekinesis and telepathy. While incredibly fascinating, there isn't exactly any solid scientific proof of its existence.

Quantum physics:

The study of matter and energy at its smallest scale - atoms, electrons, and protons.

Quantum teleportation, dark matter

Like the other areas of fringe science, quantum physics is full of debate and speculations. Out of the other types of fringe science, I feel that quantum physics is more widely supported by scientists.

One theory of quantum physics that has changed science is quantum teleportation.

The transfer of a particle's quantum state (its information) to another particle without physically moving the particle itself.

While rare, there has been some fringe science that has become mainstream. One notable example is continental drift. Once widely ridiculed by scientists, it has since been proven and accepted as a scientific fact.

Some parts of cryptozoology is another area of fringe science that has now become mainstream and accepted as scientific fact. The giant squid, Okapi, and the mountain gorilla, as hard as it might be to believe, were once considered cryptids only thought to exist in myth.

Who knows what theories that are currently rebuked today will become a scientific fact tomorrow?

Interested in learning more?

If you love learning about the concepts of fringe science ( or if I've ignited your interest with this article) like the ones I've mentioned above, I highly recommend you check out these TV shows!

The Why Files (educational, humor)

Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman (educational)

The X-Files (sci-fi drama)

Fringe (sci-fi drama)

Some others that I have not watched (but are on my to watch list!) are:

Severance (sci-fi thriller)

Eureka! (sci-fi drama, comedy)

Black Mirror (sci-fi drama)

Fringe science is both an interesting yet highly debatable topic full of wild speculations. It fuels that inner curiosity. That inner scientist within us that asks, "What if?"

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