Superpower Discussion?

[Screampunk]

I'm a new user, and now that I've found this site and qualified to open a new thread, I'd like to ask if there's a forum where we can discuss specific concepts like superpowers / abilities?

I'm trying to design a new project with this theme, but I need some outside opinions on the superpowers some of my characters have, since I'm trying to use SOME scientific accuracy to explain them (as scientifically accurate as superhumans can be, anyway; lol)

I've tried this site: http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Superpower_Wiki
But I can't find a section to discuss specific powers that one has designed.

 

[Doctor Evo]

That would probably just be this section (Community).

There are essentially two primary considerations when you're discussing this topic from a scientific perspective:

1) The method by which the powers are obtained,

and

2) Whether the powers are physically plausible after they have been obtained.

For instance, there is at least some evidence that quantum tunneling is possible, which would presumably allow a character such as, say, Kitty Pryde to phase through objects. This satisfies concern number two, at least in part.

Concern number two is still a problem, however. How would one control this ability? Is there any plausible way that someone could have the physiological capability of coordinating and carrying out this task? What we're talking about, at this point, isn't just one power, but the outcome of many smaller powers/modifications - a confluence of events which reduces the likelihood (or, rather, the plausibility) of the combined outcome.

Concern number one also rears its head in this example: how would someone realistically come by this power? Is the acquisition of this ability plausible, and by what mechanism would it occur?

Concern number two is almost invariably ignored during these discussions, and concern number one is typically explained away with the use of some pseudoscientific boogeyman (e.g., "mutants").

 

[Screampunk]

Thanks! I'll consider your advice and perhaps open a later thread once this one's fallen off.

 

[KevanG]

What powers are you talking about exactly? We could all chip in some sort of pseudo-science talk to try and make it seem at least sort of plausible.