'How do wookiees breed?': the big Star Wars questions answered

We search for science fact in the world’s most popular science fictionObi-Wan Kenobi called it an “elegant weapon for a more civilised age”, but it’s more like a humming glowstick that’s also lethal. “Lightsabers appear to work like superheated swords, able to slice through metal, human or alien tissue,” says Dr Iain Beardsell FRCEM, a consultant in emergency medicine. “So any victim would probably be taken to the nearest UK major trauma centre, possibly by air ambulance.” Even a glancing blow would likely cause so much trauma, the doctor-paramedic team would place the patient into a drug-induced coma using a “rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia and intubation”. But it’s not all bad news. “There is a chance a patient with these injuries may well survive,” says Beardsell. “One advantage of being struck by a lightsaber rather than a conventional blade might be the immediate cauterisation of the wound from the associated heat, stopping bleeding instantly.” So if a Sith Lord scythed your hand off, it could be reattached? “Possibly,” he says. “Hours of plastic surgery would be required, but the clean edges would actually aid the procedure. It would preserve the limb beautifully.” GV Continue reading...

Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - December 12, 2015 Category: Science Authors: Luke Holland, Tom Seymour & Graeme Virtue Illustration: Bill McConkey Tags: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Film Culture George Lucas Science fiction and fantasy Source Type: news