Science and Star Wars

On the heels of The Last Jedi trailer launch, Lucasfilm and Disney today released the third episode of their digital series Science and Star Wars, which explores how close real-world science has come to our favorite Star Wars technology. Today’s episode answers the question: Is being frozen in Carbonite a realistic medical feat? And are Bacta Tanks like the one Luke Skywalker was placed into to accelerate healing somewhere on the horizon? 

Although scientists can create artificial skin and accelerate bone healing with tiny bubbles filled with genetic material, modern medicine is limited in the ability to replicate the marvels of the Star Wars universe like Carbonite and Bacta Tanks. Watch as the host attempts to simulate a real-life Bacta tank using a chemical that can absorb water 200-300 times its own mass in water.

Over the course of the next seven episodes, Science and Star Wars will continue to explore science fantasy, science fact, and the gray area in between, Tuesdays on the official Star Wars Facebook page. 

About Science and Star Wars

Science and Star Wars is a new digital series from Disney Digital Network and Lucasfilm that explores the science of the Star Wars universe, just how close real-world scientists are coming to emulate the technology, and the role of the franchise in inspiring some of science’s greatest innovations.

Over the course of 10 episodes, host Anthony Carboni and his rotating roster of scientific experts and celeb guests will experiment with technology that isn’t actually so far, far away anymore (think: Jedi mind control and lightsabers). Each episode will explore one scientific theme, including Droids and Basters. Episodes can be found exclusively on the Star Wars official Facebook page.