We start the new year examining the impossible feats of superheroes and other characters

and what their imaginary powers tell us about real-life science.

Our guest today uses superheroes, comics, and anime storylines to spark conversations about physics and other STEM topics.

We're discussing the intersection of imagination

and science next on this first Technology Today episode of 2026. We live with technology,

science, engineering, and the results of innovative research every day.

Now, let's understand it better.

You're listening to the Technology Today podcast presented by Southwest Research Institute.

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Transcript and photos for this episode and all episodes are available at podcast.swri.org.

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Hello and welcome to technology today. I'm Lisa Pena.

We are launching 2026 with a discussion on science principles in pop culture.

Our guest today says superheroes and

anime plots stir imagination and curiosity while tapping into complex science, technology, engineering,

and math, or STEM concepts. SWRI, astrophysicist Dr. Roman Gomez, presents at anime conventions, teaches a college course on the topic,

and recently was the lead author of a research article published in the Frontiers in Education Journal,

titled The Power of Anime, using anime for education and outreach in STEM.

He joins us now to tell us about this fun and effective approach to teaching physics and much more.

Thank you for joining us for a moment.

Thank you, Lisa.

I'm absolutely elated to be here.

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