Superhero Science

[omelissokomos]

Discovery Channel's KAPOW! Superhero Science explores how with today's technology and research it may be possible to simulate or even replicate the abilities of Marvel superheroes from Spider-Man's webbing to Storm's weather powers.

Best part for me was the portion on muscle growth (naturally), in particular, Mr. Olympia Tommi Thorvildsen posing and flexing as the Incredible Hulk. Cool effect with the green light!

One scientist predicts that with genetic engineering, it's possible to create a 7-foot 700+ lbs. man in the future. Mmmm... I can't wait.

[mutador]

That's such an interesting subject, if pro bodybuilders nowadays use anything to achieve the incredible size they have, I doubt they'll hesitate to use genetic manipulation.
It'll be interesting in a matter of years to see the next generation of supermuscled and superstrong bodybuilding contestants!

mutador

[CelticMuscle]

if this programme is to be shown on the UK Discovery Channel on the Sky Digital platform?

[mutador]

according to this article
http://www.gene.ch/genet/2002/Aug/msg00016.html
gene muscle increase is not far to occur, there will be athletes using it in Athens this year

"The Penn study's initial aim was to explore muscle deterioration in the
elderly. A virus was created that produced a synthetic version of the gene
that alerts muscles to the need for repair and growth.

It does so with a substance called IGF-1 (Insulin Growth Factor-1). By
injecting mice, and later rats, with the gene, Sweeney and his team ensured
that the rodents' IGF-1-triggering devices would be constantly switched on."
"They [the injected mice and rats] were more muscular," Sweeney said. "If
they were on a treadmill running, the difference became very noticeable.
You can see they have broad definition - broad shoulders and big hind and
forelimbs. They look like weightlifters."

"Athletes injected with the gene would look well-muscled and extremely fit,
but wouldn't be the bloated freaks that steroids have created."

that's not fair!! I want them swollen!!

muta

[LittleArm]

A minor quibble... Thommi was a Mr. Olympia competitor, but never held the title. I don't think he even made the top 10. Still, he looks great on stage. He's known for doing back-flips as part of his posing routine!

[hhhnookie2]

Originally posted by mutador
according to this article
http://www.gene.ch/genet/2002/Aug/msg00016.html
gene muscle increase is not far to occur, there will be athletes using it in Athens this year

"The Penn study's initial aim was to explore muscle deterioration in the
elderly. A virus was created that produced a synthetic version of the gene
that alerts muscles to the need for repair and growth.

It does so with a substance called IGF-1 (Insulin Growth Factor-1). By
injecting mice, and later rats, with the gene, Sweeney and his team ensured
that the rodents' IGF-1-triggering devices would be constantly switched on."
"They [the injected mice and rats] were more muscular," Sweeney said. "If
they were on a treadmill running, the difference became very noticeable.
You can see they have broad definition - broad shoulders and big hind and
forelimbs. They look like weightlifters."

"Athletes injected with the gene would look well-muscled and extremely fit,
but wouldn't be the bloated freaks that steroids have created."

that's not fair!! I want them swollen!!

muta

Am I the only one here who would do that? Or at least give it a shot...

Yeah, I'd do it if the opportunity arose!

[omelissokomos]

AngryLeek has generously provided us an MPG clip of Tommi in Superhero Science. Because of Yahoo's daily download limits, you may not be able to get it the first time you try.

[muscleUP2me]

Looks like this is going to be airing again soon. I wish I had cable.

[ MU2M ]


Science of Superhuman Strength
Is superhuman strength just the stuff of fantasy?; humans have been obsessed with extraordinary powers from the days of Hercules to today's comic book characters; investigate the limits of the human body from strongman competitions to the WWE.
The following episodes are scheduled to air in the next three months ():

Science of Superhuman Strength
Sun, Jul 11, 2004 at 9:00 PM (ET)
Mon, Jul 12, 2004 at 1:00 AM (ET)
Mon, Jul 12, 2004 at 4:00 AM (ET)
Sun, Jul 18, 2004 at 11:00 AM (ET)
Sun, Jul 18, 2004 at 3:00 PM (ET)

http://www.exn.ca/onTv/series.asp?series=43901570

[vlad]

thanx for posting those times, I really wanted to see this...hopefully it'll be on at a time that I can watch them alone