The Science of Dragon Ball

The science of Dragon Ball is an extremely vast and engaging yet untouched subject. I now present the idea of analyzing Dragon Ball from a scientific perspective.

The original Dragon Ball series was inspired by ancient cultural concepts and paradigms written about in ancient China, inspired itself by Indian religions and native Daoism.

It has been logical that on The Dao of Dragon Ball blog I have focused my efforts on culture, history, spirituality and philosophy.

But with the beginning of Dragon Ball Z we are quickly introduced to aliens, other planets, space travel, evil scientists and artificial humans. The series becomes more outlandish and influenced by science fiction with every passing saga.

If I were to avoid this aspect of the series, then a complete understanding of the Dragon Ball mythos would be impossible.

There have been several scientific books written about other pop cultural series, such as The Physics of Star Trek [aff], which I greatly enjoyed, and The Science of Star Wars [aff].

Why hasn’t there been anything written about the science of Dragon Ball?

It seems I’ll be the first to do so, however, I’m not a trained scientist, so what can be done?

Instead of writing articles filled with heavy mathematical equations or argumentative posits, I will introduce the scientific elements while integrating modern technological equivalents from our real world. These will serve as stepping stones that show how the science of Dragon Ball can be found in our modern world, or is on the way to becoming more like the Dragon World every day.

Then I’ll present them in a sociological, psychological, cultural and analytical framework that makes it easy to understand and relate to.

Now what content can we discuss?

Dragon Ball and Scientific Discussions

From what I can tell, nobody else in the world has discussed these issues, and I’m happy to be the first, because there are so many wonderful subjects to delve into.

For example:

What is Ki?

What is a Scouter? Do they exist in real life and can Ki be quantified?

How does Hoi-Poi Capsule technology function?

What material is Saiyan armor made of? Is there a modern equivalent?

What is the relationship between mind and matter?

Are Artificial Humans (Androids, Robots, Cell, and Cyborgs (such as Mecha Freeza and Tao Pai-Pai)) a scientific possibility?

Do gravity chambers exist, and can human beings survive training in them?

Which is superior, Science or Spirit?

Are scientists ethically responsible for the ramifications of their scientific work? Must they create good (Bulma), or is evil (Dr. Gero, Dr. Wheelo) simply a matter of perception?

Is it likely that aliens exist, and if so, will they appear humanoid?

Will personal space travel ever be possible, ala the Saiyan Space Pod?

Is time travel possible, and what are the ramifications of doing so?

Can the body survive physical transformations?

What is the Big Ghetti Star? A robot or an organic life form?

What is Cell, and could such a creature really be given birth in a laboratory through gene splicing?

If Ki were proven to exist, how would this change our view of the world around us, and the laws of physics?

And many more, such as discovering the limits of human potential and then breaking those limits through technology.

Ground Breaking Science

When it comes to the science of Dragon Ball, what would you like to learn?

There are so many possibilities, and I want to hear from you.

Anthony

Sounds awesome, I definitely want to read about this man! Especially the scouter because my friend and I are always talking about how awese that would be.
Not to mention the Saiyan armor and the gravity chamber sound awesome. Well actually everything sounds awesome!
- http://www.thedaoofdragonball.com/blog/ derekpadula
  
  Glad to hear it! I already have some research compiled for the Scouter article. Maybe I’ll start with that one.
Casey

There are a few different ideas you bring up that I have done research for or even came up with my own concepts of how they could be physically possible.
Ki: This is a tough one to discuss. It all depends on personal belief of what you think the "energy" really is. Of course our body moves. When the joints, ligaments, muscles, bones, tendons, etc… all move around they create friction and kinetic energy, but where does all of this kinetic energy go? And can we mentally make our bodies believe we are moving a muscle and create that energy without the use of energy in the movement? On the other hand some believe Ki to be a spiritual/life energy that can be developed in a different way. As we see in the show, after a certain point, physical training does raise your ki or your control of ki as much as meditation or the use of ki itself. When Goku wants Gohans Ki to be controlled he has him stay in a powered up state. This would also burn Gohans energy quicker leaving his body to create more so that the energy stores wouldn’t be depleted as quick later on. This is also seen in Piccolos meditation before the tournament.
– Ill go into a different response for more ideas –
- Casey
  
  Scouter: I guess one is technically possible if the Ki were the kinetic energy as I said above, but I doubt it would work by observation from afar. It would have to have physical contact with the person. I do not believe an energy detection scouter could exist, but the communication and physical view end has already been created (http://www.reconinstruments.com/products/mod) (google glasses).
  
  Gravity Chamber: Though this would be AWESOME!!!! it is implausible in the fashion you see in DBZ. The problem with a gravity intensifying chamber is the effects it has on the blood. If you increase the gravity you increase the weight of the blood and other vital fluids. This is turn makes EVERYTHING become heavier and worker a lot harder. Someone would have to be weened into gravity training by a 1/10th increase at a time over a long time in order for the body to be used to the increase. But as soon as you leave the gravity your body is then working TOO hard and could kill you. In other ideas you can increase the force exerted on your body (the Gravitron carnival ride and the G simulator used by NASA) in order to supplemental your own training program. I also had an idea of many high- powered fans blowing at you from various angles, but it would be too hard to breathe and the winds would interact and cancel out too much for the effect.
  - http://www.thedaoofdragonball.com/blog/ derekpadula
    
    These ideas are really cool, Casey. Thanks for sharing them.
    
    I don’t think the kinetic energy produced by the body is enough to generate any type of serious power. Not in the real world at least. The force we call gravity can change depending on location, centrifugal pressure and so on, but generally speaking, if kinetic energy were enough all by itself, then we’d all be super men. There has to be something more to it than that. Of course I could be wrong, and I admit my ignorance on the subject.
    
    In terms of the Scouter, I had seen the glasses before when everybody was talking about them a few weeks ago. That’s a huge step in the right direction. Now it’s only a matter of enabling the glasses to read different types of information, including geographic data of the world.
    
    For the Ki detection, I’ve been researching universities in California that are doing systematic studies in this area. Such as at Stanford and USC. I need to follow up with them again.
    
    In any case, I think we’re getting closer every day, and that’s a big part of what my article on the subject will be about.
  - http://www.thedaoofdragonball.com/blog/ derekpadula
    
    In regard to the Gravity Chamber fan idea you had (which is really cool, by the way), what if you wore an oxygen mask and tank or some type of re-breather that made it easier to pull in the required oxygen? That way you wouldn’t be reliant on the oxygen in the air around you.
    
    I never thought about the effect it had on your blood. I spoke with a professor many years ago, and he said that yes, theoretically we could survive in a 10 times gravity chamber, but if you made even the slightest error in movement that went against the natural anatomy of the body, your ligaments and tendons would snap off instantly. So that doesn’t sound very pleasant.
    
    I imagine if these were to exist, you would absolutely have to go through a process of incremental increases.
- Majin Majuub
  
  "When Goku wants Gohans Ki to be controlled he has him stay in a powered up state"
  
  This to me is something of a miscommunication in the channeling of Info from Hanuman/Son goku to Toriyama and the Writers
  
  It makes much more sense to me that this would be more of a challenge for Gohan to Understand this newly introduced chi. a change of one word is powerful
Casey

The problem I see with the "human potential" concept is that no one has every reached a maximum limit in all the right concepts. People are too specified in their specific training that an idea of the "perfect martial artist" displayed in DragonBall isn’t really ever seen. The closest we have are gymnasts and martial arts trickers, but even they are lacking in the "super" department. Either someone is super strong, super fast, or has super control, but no one is all 3 as needed in order to hit that potential wall.

Something that interested me was the science behind the "bullet proof skin/muscle". Technically the idea could be true if it was trained for correctly. Toughen the skin up to be like leather and train the muscle to be not only large, but the fibers are soo many and so tightly knit that they absorb the shock well enough (and catch the bullet well enough) to not let the bullet pass too far.
- http://www.thedaoofdragonball.com/blog/ derekpadula
  
  Exactly! Human beings are very good at adapting to environments or external conditions, meaning that they change according to the stress they experience. Without the "super" conditions, it’s very difficult for people to become super. And who can devote themselves to nothing but super advanced martial arts training? The closest we have are the Shaolin monks, and even they are only able to specialize in a few styles of supernormal techniques, such as Iron Head.
  
  Has there been anything written about the "bullet proof skin/muscle" idea that you mentioned? I’d like to read it. In traditional Chinese martial arts, this was essentially what Iron Body conditioning was aiming for, and one of the reasons why rebels in the 17th to 19th century believed they were invincible to blades and impervious to bullets. That, and supernormal powers.
Dad

I’m looking forward to reading these articles. I hope that you utilize your available scientific resources to ascertain current scientific practices and for determining the wheat from the chaff.
That Guy

I’m looking forward to seeing this when its complete but just wondering how I would know its done once it has been completed
- http://www.thedaoofdragonball.com/blog/ derekpadula
  
  Subscribe to the RSS feed! There’s a button at the top of the sidebar, a button in the footer, and a sign up form in the footer as well.
  
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PostedB4

There’s an old Chinese guy that can put an object as hot as 1000 degrees on his tongue, and a tough, rotund Spaniard that can balance a motorcycle on his jaw. (that show about world records)

There are even guys who can use their testicles/genitals to lift over 100 pounds!

Nearly any part of the body can be strengthened to a ridiculous extent through extensive years of practice/study- to strengthen every last inch of the body would be nearly impossible but, if done, it could create someone incredibly strong. Perhaps not bulletproof, but they could hold their breath incredibly long, endure significant injuries, self-heal, and be resistant to heat/toxins/force and be possessed of incredible strength and endurance. (don’t forget those bodybuilders that are able to MOVE ENTIRE PLANES. Still impressive, even with the wheels.)
- http://www.thedaoofdragonball.com/blog/ derekpadula
  
  Yeah, I have some research documents that show many supernormal people in today’s world, but each one of them is supernormal in a single, specific way. There is nobody who has them all.
  
  I always had the dream of being the guy you described, but alas, modern life had its way with me instead. Nevertheless, the idea of devoting my life to training is exciting on several levels.
ADEN

If u guys want some serious information u should read the vedas, the sayians is something, a little similar to hanuman. In the vedas their are mantras that u can use to have your body heal on an imaginary level, one must be trained to perform such mantras……..ASTRAL PROJECTION is great, btw through meditation one can be able to do telepathic communication….you all should read up on astral projection…there are several realms that one can go to once they start…….im not talking any fairy tale here…i know ppl that do this
- Majin Majuub
  
  I agree about the use of Mantras and Reading the Vedas. Yantras are also a very good use to active the siddahs ( Or super natural powers). I will tell, The Astral Plane is not the Plane to play around in, there is very much some "ankle Bitters" that shouldn’t be taken lightly. The Astral Plane is something that should be visited when blanketed with the use of the Violet flame. It is a very power metaphysical/spiritual/alchemical gift from St.Germain ( Google and search with your heart and discerning judgement as to keep them black ops web sites out of your view of eye site.
ActiveAnime

Ki is real. But the supernatural look & level Dragon ball takes it to. Is it possible? And if it could exist, is it stronger than man-made weapons? Should we advance our bodies & weapons?
cob1

Like many, I would like to learn about the science of the supernatural powers of DBZ, perhaps including transformations into SSJ and the physiology that would line up(IE adrenaline rushes where a woman can lift up a bus to save her child). I’m also curious about capsule and scouter technology
son ω

I am a blogger and I write about Dragon Ball stuff and I always wanted to write about technology and these science fictional universe created by Toriyama. I still haven’t put the ideas in a paper, but answering some of your questions:

About Hoi-Poi: it’s the biggest and the one that challenges me the most. The Hoi-Poi technology envolves Quanticum Physics, Statistic Mechanics and a lot of Termodinamic. Bla bla bla… Just a lot of stuff people won’t get it. The thing about Hoi-Poi is that Toriyama seems to have this idea that its possible for us to develop it. We can see in his previously one-shot story ‘The Adventures of Tongpoo’, a similar technology to Hoi-Poi. To work, you have to heat the capsule. My idea about Hoi-Poi (which i’m still working and i’ll write about it in the future) uses the Teory of Kelvin, that an object, if broght to the absolute temperature, the Zero Kelvin, tends to have no volume. So you could keep a magazine, a car or anything in a capsule smaller than your hand.

About time travel, envolving teletransportation: I read in a newspaper a few years ago that scientist were developing a machine that could teleport objects. They were starting with eletrons. They did managed to teleport it, but the teleported eletron only carried the original caracteristics of the eletron, it didn’t teleport itself, only its quanticum caracteristics. To teleport from a place to another, you travel to space and time (because there is a lag to the teleport to happen), so a "little" change could make it possible for us to travel just through time.

Those are just a few ideas I have about DB technology.. When I write about them in my blog, I post here so you can see!
- http://thedaoofdragonball.com/ derekpadula
  
  I think you’re on the right track.
  
  I actually met one of the inventors of a quantum computer about 5 years ago in a coffee shop in Hermosa Beach, CA. He talked about how his company was working on a machine that could teleport electrons from one side of the room to another. Seems like they did it. And I read a few weeks ago that the Chinese did something similar over an even greater distance. 60 miles if I remember correctly.
  
  Please share your blog posts here. I’d like to read them and I’m sure others would as well.
  - son ω
    
    Since I commented here, I was writing about this! Here it is:
    http://namekusei.wordpress.com/2012/06/09/a-cienc…
    
    It’s in Portuguese, but I guess Google Translate might translate it well! haha
    
    I selected some of your questions and aswered them! Check it out!
    - http://thedaoofdragonball.com/ derekpadula
      
      Hi Son. This is awesome!
      
      I’m sorry I didn’t respond earlier, but I still haven’t had the time to read the full article. It looks really great though and I want to say congrats on answering so many of those questions.
      
      I’ve been working full steam on my Spirituality of Dragon Ball presentation for this weekend. After this weekend I’ll devote some time to read your article.
      
      Thank you.
    - Jack
      
      But can a danger come from actual time travel? I’ve always seen it as something impossible.
      - http://thedaoofdragonball.com/ derekpadula
        
        Theoretically it is possible. The primary issue is one of energy conservation and thermodynamics. It would require an incredibly huge amount of energy in a very short moment of time, and used in a way that bends space and time without destroying the object in question and simultaneously allowing it to enter the door of one dimension and come out the other.
        
        Kind of complicated.
Sketch

I’ve always thought the "Sayain appetite" was a very plausible scientific theme. A farm hand burns about 3000 calories a day so they need to eat at least 3000 calories a day. The amount of energy needed to generate a Kamehamaha would be massive and that energy would have to come from somewhere; food. They would however, have to have a very efficient digestive system.
- http://thedaoofdragonball.com/ derekpadula
  
  Good point, Sketch. I wish Toriyama went into a little detail about Saiyan physiology, as that would have helped answer a lot of these questions!
  
  Seeing how Goku and Vegeta eat, I wouldn’t be surprised if they pull in 40,000 to 50,000 calories a day.
  
  EDIT: The interesting corollary is the Namekians, who eat absolutely nothing. They only drink water. So that tells us there’s more going on then simple caloric intake, otherwise they’d always be anemic and unable to fight.
  
  But that said, it is interesting how Goku always gets super hungry after a big fight and expending all his energy. He uses up the calories and needs more.
  
  So it seems like it’s on both sides of the spectrum simultaneously.
http://scarfacedkomedy.blogspot.com Scar-faced Bandit

There’s something I’ve always wondered about scouters. Frieza’s army has faster-than-light space ships, cybernetic enhancements, healing chamber that can heal people from near death in a few hours but why can’t they build a circuit breaker or something for the scouter?! It would suck to get glass in your eyes when a scouter explodes in your face =P.
- http://thedaoofdragonball.com/ derekpadula
  
  On Dragon Ball Wikia’s Scouter page they talk about how their are different models of Scouter that have different capacities for power detection. Red, blue, green and so on all have different maximum capacities that explode after reaching the limit. Apparently there is one final Scouter that can take very high power levels or something.
  
  I’m not sure I agree with their deductions, since it’s based on reading the manga and simply presuming this is correct because of the order in which the Scouter’s exploded, but it’s an interesting theory.
ColeIzDardi

Ki is real
- GokuSSJ
  
  Yes, every one has a Ki storage within your body, training and excercise strengthens your Ki and can be summoned up with regular practice. If you’d like to know more search it up on the Interweb but be warned some techniques and skills on the Internet may be fake. Search up “Proof that Ki is real” on youtube and if it comes up with a Karate Class you looking at in the right place. Try to find the when where a Karate graduate blows out a candle using his ki.