In Episode 39 of Rabbit Hole of Research, we continue our Fantastic Four series by diving into the blazing mystery of Johnny Storm — the Human Torch. With special guest David Pincus, PhD, from the University of Chicago, we explore what it would actually take for a human body to control fire. From cellular phase separation and stress granules to speculative metabolic engineering and combustion-safe skin, this episode fuses myth, science, and superpowers into one intense bio-speculative ride. We also break down flame-based flight mechanics, immune responses to internal combustion, and why Johnny Storm’s immunity to sunburn might be the biggest cellular flex in comics.
It’s science, it’s fiction, it’s science for weirdos.
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The Scientist Article Featuring Joe: How Speculative Fiction Expands Scientific Horizons
Check out David’s research at the University of Chicago
It’s Science for Weirdos
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We want to Hear From You (leave a comment):
What do you think is the real-world upper limit of human heat resistance?
If you could bioengineer one fire-related ability into yourself, what would it be — and why?
Johnny Storm doesn’t sunburn. What other human vulnerabilities should superheroes evolve beyond?
Future Episodes & Events
Ep 40: Reed Richards and the Limits of the Body – A deep dive into stretching, elasticity, adaptability, and the mental/physical implications of extreme flexibility in comics and biology. Featuring special guest Dr. Maria Dowell, MD, pediatric pulmonologist at Northwestern
Live Q&A Event: Joe will be doing a book club Q&A at Reed’s Local on July 29 for Will You Still Love Me If I Become Someone Else by Jotham Austin II. Event details here
Dragon Con: Joe will appear as an Attending Professional at Dragon Con in Atlanta from August 28 – September 1. Join him for panels, shop talk, and rabbit holes galore.
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Stay curious, stay speculative, stay safe, and we’ll catch you in the next rabbit hole. Love Y'all!
Show Notes & Fun facts
Dr. Pincus breaks down how stress granules and phase-separated condensates help cells survive extreme heat — and how this might apply to flame-powered physiology.
Johnny Storm may be immune to sunburn, but we explore how real biology copes with UV damage, and what it would take to neutralize it at the cellular level.
We speculate on the biological architecture required to store fuel, mix oxidizers, ignite flame, and project it directionally without burning yourself alive.
From Surtr to early Golden Age heroes, we trace the lineage of fire-controlling figures in myth and fiction leading up to Johnny.
Nature’s own firestarter: the bombardier beetle shows how internal chemical combustion can exist — and be weaponized.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome to the Rabbit Hole of Research
The show opens with a reflection on combustion as both a physical process and a narrative metaphor.
00:13 – Introducing the Human Torch
Joe introduces the focus of Episode 39: Johnny Storm, Marvel’s Human Torch, and the biological plausibility of flame powers.
00:30 – Meet the Team and Special Guest
Guest Dr. David Pincus, PhD, joins the conversation to bring cellular biology expertise into the superhero discussion.
02:26 – The Science of Spontaneous Combustion
The team discusses what it would take, chemically, for the human body to ignite without completely breaking down.
04:28 – Exploring Johnny Storm’s Powers
The show breaks down the mechanics of flame projection, ignition, resistance, and the biological implications of “Flame On!”
10:23 – The Role of Extremophiles in Science
David brings in examples from nature — like thermophiles and heat-tolerant enzymes — to ground the speculative biology in real organisms.
22:26 – Nobel Prizes and Basic Research
A conversation about how fundamental discoveries in cell biology, like phase separation, often come from unexpected questions.
30:56 – Discussing Dehydration and Heat Tolerance
The hosts examine how Johnny Storm might survive extreme water loss while engulfed in flame.
31:33 – Exploring Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation
Dr. Pincus explains how cells use phase-separated condensates to survive heat stress, and how that might scale up to superhero physiology.
32:57 – The Evolution of Heat Resistance
The discussion turns to evolutionary pressures and whether fireproofing could arise in hypothetical human offshoots.
34:03 – Specialized Skin Layers and Heat Protection
The team proposes biological skin adaptations that might insulate against internal combustion, including regenerative layers and thermal barriers.
38:54 – Projecting Flames and Flight Mechanics
Speculative biomechanics are explored — from oxidizer sacs and pressurized flame glands to directional thrust control for flight.
41:12 – Historical Fire-Controlling Characters
The episode traces the lineage of fire-wielders in myth and early comics, from Surtr and Ifrits to the 1939 Human Torch.
46:04 – Biological Adaptations for Fire Resistance
Joe and David speculate on the role of high-efficiency mitochondria, fluid retention systems, and immune response modulation in surviving combustion.
57:19 – Concluding Thoughts and Future Speculations
The episode closes with reflections on fire as a symbol of youth, ego, transformation — and the cost of living as pure energy.
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