The Real Science Behind the X Files: Microbes, Meteorites, and Mutants

by Anne Simon, Chris Carter

For a good part of the 1990s, tens of millions of Americans have been abducted every week -- not by aliens, but by a television show featuring fare such as extraterrestrial cancer implants and genetically engineered human clones. Mark Twain might have been talking about The X-Files when he wrote that truth is stranger than fiction because "fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; truth isn't." The Truth (which is famously "out there" in the show's credits) is actually in there, or, rather, in here, because dozens of the wildest and most speculative story lines in the hit series are well and truly inspired by discoveries from the world of science. And a lot of that inspiration comes from the job of Anne Simon, Ph.D., the world-class virologist enlisted by X-Files creator Chris Carter to serve as the show's science advisor. What are the chimeric cells featured in the episode "Gethsemane"? What would it take for an alien organism to survive a centuries-long trip on a meteor -- as, for example, the brain-sucking worms in the episode "Ice" do -- and still arrive virulent enough to attack a human being? How would a scientist known she was peering at an alien microbe -- the dilemma faced by Scully in "The Erlenmeyer Flask"? Telomeres, cloning, the Hayflick limit, nanotechnology, endosymbionts, and lentviruses are all supporting players to agents Mulder and Scully in the television drama, but here they are elevated to starring roles by Dr. Simon's dazzling insights and wonderfully readable style. When Chris Carter was searching for fictional creatures for future episodes, Dr. Simon related to him the science behind a real-life fruit fly -- one with legs coming out of its mouth -- and the episode "The Post-Modern Prometheus" was born. Whether recounting the genesis of such story lines or taking the reader on a voyage through the intricacies of the p53 gene and its potential in cancer therapy, The Real Science Behind The X-Files is that rarest and most prized a book by a scientist with a genuine gift for writing. Here is the truth behind the immunocompromising fungus from "El Mundo Gira," the latest on the probability of life on Mars as tantalizingly indicated by the Antarctic meteorite ALH84001, the scientific foundation beneath the dark genetic secret of the Peacock clan in the episode "Home," and a primer on the technical challenge of successful cryobiology (not to be attempted at home). Combining the author's hard-headed rationalism with her awe at the wonders of the natural world, gracefully written, and accompanied by a foreword from Chris Carter, The Real Science Behind The X-Files is a remarkable book.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Reference, History Of Science, Biology

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Megan Kill · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book but does not provide a scientific explanation for the insane chemistry between mulder and scully

[Zeke Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having recently watched all 202 episodes of the original run of The X-Files (in preparation for the season 10 revival), I found this book to be a fun and engaging exploration of the science (and science-fiction) behind The X-Files. I appreciate that Dr. Anne Simon not only explores the correct applications of science in the show, but also critiques and corrects the use of artistic license to circumvent scientific reality. Ultimately, I find it very satisfying as a scientist to read about the care with which Chris Carter and Dr. Anne Simon approached scientific accuracy in The X-Files, though some of the metaphors Dr. Simon uses to explain scientific concepts and theory are unnecessarily complicated and confusing. Four stars:

[Regan Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Other than a little bit of outdated science, this was an incredible and gripping read. It reinvigorated my love for learning and reading at the same time

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Truth is Out There. And you may find it in this book if you can stay focused on some rather lengthy explanations.

This was an interesting read, but as I mentioned above some of the scientific explanations are lengthy. I thought I was taking a biology class, and this was the textbook.

I was (and still am) a huge X-Files fan. It was interesting to read some of the plausible explanations on some of the episodes. I can see why the show's creator (Chris Carter) asked Dr. Simon to help with the shows scientific side. She knows her stuff.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the consultants for the X-Files, she gives you the biological science stories behind some of the episodes. Chapter headings include snippets from TV scripts. Educational, though some scientific info is now outdated, written in 1999. I'm reading this in 2024, 25 years later. I found it fascinating, but those less interested in science might find the scientific descriptions boring.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Carter, creator of the X-Files, hired Dr. Anne Simon as the show's science advisor. The Real Science Behind the X-Files: Microbes, Meteorites, and Mutants is a result of Anne Simon's work on the show. As she writes, "The goal of this book is to explain to nonscientists the real science behind The X-Files. To use the show as a springboard to examine the many science issues that are blended into plots - hot topics like cloning, aging, genetic engineering, and life on other planets (pg. 22)."

This well written informative book explains the scientific foundation for The X-Files and includes an index. Part of the appeal of this book is that it entertains while explaining the very real scientific explanations behind many of the shows episodes. Although some episodes can't be explained through science, many can. Additionally, as Simon points out, many scientists watched The X-Files and looked for mistakes so part of her job was to keep it as close to real science as possible.

Certainly fans of The X-Files will appreciate this book and know the various episodes that Simon references or quotes dialogue from. I found this in the bargain books at the local used book store and it was worth every cent spent. It will be stored with our set of the complete X-Files series. Need I say it is very highly recommended for fans of the series.
http://shetreadssoftly.blogspot.com/

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a massive x files fan and sucker for all thing science i enjoyed this book. There were times where it waffled on or got off topic but it always returned to the point. As well as the above I found that the Author sometimes scoffed at or made fun of some of the ideas Chris Carter fallowed through with as if not happy by the fact that the x files IS fiction. Of course there are going to be something factually or scientifically incorrect in the X files, its based on Ideas, myths, legends, wives tales and all things that go bump in the night. Either way i did enjoy geeking out to this book.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written science-y book for non-science people like me. Very interesting, often amusing and neatly tied to specific X-files episodes. And I now know that star fish eat by extruding their stomachs put through their mouths and a surprising number of species reproduce by asexually by cloning themselves. If only I'd been taught biology by this author at school!

[Delphia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love anything weird and unnatural. I am also a faithful X-Files fan so when I found this at Goodwill I knew it was for me. The author, using examples and plots found in the television show, explores the science behind it all. This book is fascinating and full of the impossible. What seems mysterious and bizarre is just science.

[Tonjia Atomic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up for fun because I'm watching the series right now. It was actually surprisingly interesting. It has many scientific facts about interesting anomalies and discoveries that the show uses for inspiration.

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I watched the x-files back in the 1990's (loved it), so I really enjoyed this book which touches on actual episodes. If you enjoy science-based or supernatural (but perhaps feasible) reads, check this one out!

[Bill Donhiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written book explaining science to non science people. For me, BS, MS, and doctorate in science fields it was an enjoyable read but a little to rudimentary . I think for non science people who enjoy scifi it is a great book

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously I loved it, being both an obsessive X-phile and biology major.

[Maribeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book - very interesting. The author helped Chris Charter write some of the plots of the series.

[Ericthehamster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm surprised this doesn't seem to be a shared book. A scientific analysis of some of the concepts raised in X Files episodes. Fascinating and illuminating.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

X-Files nut that I am, I love this. Spontanious combustion really happens... who knew?

[Ken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very boring to read, and most of the scientific facts are reaching.

[Abraham Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book of science of the x-files!