Researchers have developed a formula to explain how a fictional virus behaves in the Wild Cards series, a science fiction collection created by various authors. This virus, known as the Wild Card, causes mutations in human DNA. The formula utilizes a Lagrangian approach, which examines the different potential paths a system can take as it evolves. This principle is rooted in fundamental physics, making the fictional scenario an effective educational resource.
While many science fiction writers incorporate scientific ideas into their narratives, Ian Tregillis, a contributor to the Wild Cards series and a physicist at Los Alamos National Laboratory, pushed the boundaries further: he created a formula to explain the dynamics of the viral system in the series’ universe.
In independent research published in the American Journal of Physics, a journal from AIP Publishing, Tregillis collaborated with George R.R. Martin to derive a formula describing the viral behavior in the Wild Cards universe.
The Wild Cards series consists of over 30 volumes, featuring an alien virus that alters human DNA. The series is collectively authored and edited by Martin and Melinda M. Snodgrass. Notably, Martin’s name appears as a co-author on the paper, marking his first contribution to peer-reviewed physics literature.
The idea to delve into the science behind the fictional virus originated from a series of blog entries on the Wild Cards website.
“Like any physicist, I began with rough estimates, but then I dove deeper into the subject. Eventually, I half-jokingly suggested that writing a legitimate physics paper might be more straightforward than crafting another blog post,” Tregillis recounted. “As a theorist, I was naturally curious if a simple model could clarify the complexities of the series’ storyline.”
The formula Tregillis established follows a Lagrangian framework, which considers the various ways a system might progress. This approach not only aligns with fundamental physics but also enhances the fictional narrative as a teaching medium.
Tregillis explained that creating this physical model was an enjoyable yet intricate challenge. After experimenting with models inspired by fractals and thermodynamic concepts, he and Martin ultimately opted for the Lagrangian method.
“We translated the abstract nature of Wild Card viral effects into a straightforward, concrete dynamic system. The average behavior over time of this system produces a statistical distribution of results,” he noted.
Although the Wild Card virus can be represented through physics, Tregillis stressed that it should not be viewed as rigidly defined within the narrative.
“Effective storytelling revolves around characters: their desires, challenges, conflicts, and interactions with their environment,” Tregillis remarked. “The fictional virus serves primarily as a backdrop to frame the world of Wild Cards, the characters living within it, and the plots arising from their choices.”
