Sci-Fi Movies vs Real Science | Breaking Down Movie Science with a Real Scientist

In this post, Mike Cunningham, a biotechnology professional (aka a real scientist), joins Darren to put movie science to the test. We explore some of the most iconic sci-fi questions—could aliens really have acid for blood? Are zombies possible? And what about the machines in The Matrix using humans for energy? Mike helps us separate the science fact from the fiction, and we breeze through the technical jargon to get straight to the point.

Could the Alien Xenomorph Have Acid for Blood?

Darren: In Alien, the Xenomorph has acid for blood. Is that scientifically possible?

Mike: I think it’s totally possible. If there were lifeforms as complex as humans, but evolved in an environment with different pH levels than ours, their blood could be highly caustic. If they had a circulatory system that operated at a different pH, it could be acidic or alkaline. It sounds extreme to us, but for an alien species adapted to a different environment, it could be totally normal. The key is that their biology could operate outside of our usual pH range.

Could Zombies Actually Exist?

Darren: Zombies are a huge part of pop culture, but could they actually be real? Could something like that happen?

Mike: It’s creepy, but theoretically, yes. If you look at how certain parasites and viruses, like rabies or toxoplasmosis, affect behavior in animals, it’s not that far-fetched to imagine something similar happening to humans. These viruses and parasites can manipulate behavior, so a 'zombie virus' could happen in a more limited sense. But turning someone into a full-on zombie? That’s still a bit of a stretch.

Could the Machines in The Matrix Really Use Humans for Energy?

Darren: In The Matrix, the machines harvest energy from humans by keeping them alive in pods. Could that really happen?

Mike: From a scientific standpoint, that idea always seemed kind of silly to me. While humans generate bioelectricity, it would be far more efficient for machines to find alternative energy sources—solar, nuclear, or even fusion. Why would they bother using humans for energy when there are better options? Sure, the Matrix sequels explain it, but just from a practical viewpoint, it’s a losing battle for the machines to rely on humans for energy.

Could Max Survive on Dog Food Alone in Mad Max: Fury Road?

Darren: In Mad Max: Fury Road, Max survives on dog food in the wasteland. Could a human actually live off dog food in a post-apocalyptic world?

Mike: Short-term, yes, dog food can provide enough calories, fats, and proteins to keep someone alive. But it’s missing a lot of essential vitamins and nutrients, so it wouldn’t be sustainable in the long run. Dog food can last forever, which is why it’s useful in a post-apocalyptic setting, but it’s not a balanced diet. You’d eventually face deficiencies in things like vitamins A, B, and C.

The Terminator: Could Organic Flesh Grow Over a Metal Endoskeleton?

Darren: In The Terminator, we have a cybernetic organism—living tissue over a metal endoskeleton. Is that scientifically possible?

Mike: I think it could be possible. The key challenge would be rejection issues, as we’ve seen with human organ transplants. But with advancements in molecular biology, we’re learning how to scale back immune system responses, and in a future where artificial intelligence controls the process, they could find a way to make it work. There would definitely be hurdles to overcome, but with the right technology, it’s not completely out of the question.

Could Scientists Really Clone Dinosaurs Like in Jurassic Park?

Darren: Let’s talk about Jurassic Park. Could we actually bring dinosaurs back to life using DNA?

Mike: This is a tough one. While we have managed to extract DNA from extinct species, like woolly mammoths, getting enough intact dinosaur DNA after millions of years is highly unlikely. Theoretically, with enough partial DNA samples, you could fill in the blanks, but creating a full, viable dinosaur from that DNA is something I’d doubt could happen. It’s possible for other extinct species, but dinosaurs—maybe not.

Wrap-Up

Darren: So, what’s the final verdict on all these sci-fi questions? Could some of these ideas actually become a reality one day?

Mike: Some of them could, with the right conditions. Acid blood? Possible. Zombies? Maybe, in a limited form. Machines using humans for energy? Not likely. And surviving on dog food? Short-term, yes, but long-term, no. Sci-fi movies really stretch the limits of what’s possible, and while not everything can come true, it’s fascinating to think about how close some of these ideas could be to reality.