Show Notes
In this episode of Star Warsologies, an anatomy professor weighs in on the importance of designing aliens that make sense!
Dr. Elizabeth Rega is an anatomy professor who consults on movies and video games to help creators add an element of realism to their projects. She worked on Mulan, The Emperor's New Groove, and even the Madden series. Melissa and James ask Elizabeth to speculate wildly about what we can tell about some of our favorite aliens based on the traits they share with humans. Is Klaud related to axolotls? Do Gungans breathe through their butts? What does Yoda look like under his Jedi robes? Fun questions for our anatomy expert!
Show Links:
Read Stephen Jay Gould's paper about the evolution of Mickey Mouse. Check out the Max Rebo maquette showing off his two limbs. Listen to episode 46 where Elizabeth joined our LA Comic Con panel of science advisors. Check out Elizabeth's paper about a new species of sloth.
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
More from Star Warsologies: A Podcast About Science and Star Wars
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we chat with Maria Sandoval, head of the hair department on The Mandalorian, Book of Boba Fett, and Ahsoka!
Watch this episode on YouTube to see all the slides from the panel - screenshots, science concepts and more! https://youtu.be/rW-WBS_uWM0 Panel description: Tom Cruise's diverse filmography is a perfect way to talk about science! What part of his impossible missions are actually realistic? What does real-life physics and human anatomy have to say about all those stunts? We'll also cover aliens, cloning, time loops, and even vampires and mummies! Lisa Will (astrophysicist and astronomer), Gracie Ermi (computer and machine learning scientist), Elizabeth Rega (anatomy professor and science advisor), Ronald Coleman (stem cell biologist and author), Laine D'Augustine (aerospace engineer and pilot), and Paul Wynns (retired naval aviator and flight school owner) are eager to explore what we can learn while eating our popcorn and being entertained by one of the biggest movie stars. Moderated by science communicator Melissa T. Miller. Sound recording and editing by Isabella Miller.
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we share our panel from San Diego Comic-Con 2026 "Star Wars Tourism: Visiting a Galaxy Far, Far Away on Earth!"
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to Deana Weibel about her book "The Ultraview Effect" and how to recognize the sense of awe in a galaxy far, far away (as well as our own!).
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we share the recording of Melissa's WonderCon 2026 panel "Science of Disneyland!"