Dylan Callens's Blog: The Silent Guardian, page 4

Why Anti-Colonialism in Science Fiction Is More Relevant Than Ever

For decades, science fiction glorified space empires, colonization of new worlds, and the expansion of civilization—usually by Earth-based powers. But in recent years, a new wave of stories has flipped...

How the Brain Reads Words: A Peek Inside Your Mind’s Reading Machine

Have you ever stopped to wonder how you’re reading these words right now? I mean, you’re not sounding out each letter or whispering the sentences to yourself (unless you are—no judgment). But your brain is decoding symbols, pulling in meaning, and making sense of it all… in milliseconds.

So, let’s crack open the skull (metaphorically, of course) and find out how the brain reads words.

It All Starts with Your Eyes

First stop on the reading journey: your ...

The Science of Productivity: Simple, Proven Ways to Get More Done

Most people think being productive means cramming more into the day—longer hours, fewer breaks, more coffee. But research tells a different story. Scientists have been studying how our brains and bodies handle focus, decision-making, and fatigue, and the truth is both surprising and useful.

It turns out, we’re not wired to go full-speed all day. In fact, trying to “push through” often backfires. The real key to productivity is understanding how your b...

Hair‑Thin Brain Monitoring: Why the Next EEG Might Hide in Your Hair

Have you ever wished the clunky cap and sticky gel of a standard EEG would simply vanish? I have—and scientists at Penn State heard us. They 3‑D‑printed an electrode so slim and flexible it looks like a single human hair, yet it sticks to your scalp and records crisp brain waves for more than a day without irritating gel or bulky wires.

How Does a “Hair” Become an Electrode?

Think of the device as a micro‑lollipop:

Dot‑sized tip — the actual sensor that...

What Every Sci-Fi Reader Needs to Know

Science fiction isn’t just about spaceships and laser guns. It’s a genre that dares to ask the big questions: What does it mean to be human? Where are we going? And what happens when we get there?

If yo...

Measuring Earth’s Rotation with Quantum Entanglement

A Quantum Leap in Measuring Earth’s Rotation

For over a century, scientists have used devices called interferometers to measure Earth’s rotation. Now, researchers at the University of Vienna have taken this a step further by using quantum entangled light particles, known as photons, to achieve the most precise measurement yet. Their groundbreaking experiment, published in Science Advances, showcases how quantum physics can enhance our understanding of...

Why Time Travel Assassins Never Sleep: Paranoia in a Paradox

Imagine being hunted by someone who hasn’t been born yet. Or worse—by someone you haven’t become yet.

Welcome to the twisted world of time travel assassin paranoia, where sleep is a liability, trust is ...

Is It Ever Justifiable to Kill Someone in the Past to Save the Future?

Imagine if time travel was possible and you had the opportunity to prevent terrible tragedies by eliminating a key figure in history. The classic philosophical dilemma emerges: is it ever justifiable to kill someone in th...

25 Time Travel Writing Prompts to Bend Your Brain and Boost Your Creativity

If you’ve ever stared at a blank page, wondering how to start your next sci-fi masterpiece, time travel might just be your golden ticket. With endless possibilities—alternate timelines, paradoxes, lost...

Cosmic Teapot Interviews Dylan Callens, Author of The Silent Guardian

Cosmic Teapot:
Welcome, Dylan. I’ve brewed myself a quantum-infused chai and adjusted the gravitational constant of my kettle just for this occasion. So tell me: The Silent Guardian—a time-traveling assassin, a secret society, and a vow of silence. Where did this idea even come from?

Dylan Callens:
First, I appreciate the celestial hospitality. The idea came from a mix of philosophical thought experiments and an unhealthy obsession with time travel para...