Is the world real, or is it just an illusion or hallucination?

We asked renowned neuroscientists, physicists, psychologists, technology theorists and hallucinogen researchers if we can ever tell that the "reality" we are experiencing is "real."

Meet the cosplay handlers, unsung heroes of Comic Con
Flocks of fantastically costumed superfans get tons of attention, but they couldn't do it without their helpful sidekicks.

Solarpunk wants to save the world
Solarpunk is a literary movement, a hashtag, a flag, and a statement of intent about the future we hope to create.

Death goes green: the eco-friendly funerals of the future
With biodegradable shrouds, QR codes, and human composting in city centers, a modern burial movement is gaining steam.

From vrrrramp to snikt: exploring sci-fi's most iconic movie sound effects
Foley artists work hard to fabricate sounds for cinema—an incredible process that’s birthed some of the most profound audio in pop culture.

Clone ethics: What shouldn't you do with your clone?
Do clones have souls? How about human rights? Hopes&Fears consults bioethicists, psychologists, twin specialists and theological experts on the ethics of doing stuff with/to your clone.
Being sucked into a black hole could turn you into a hologram

A new paper suggests that by using holography, a technique applied to understanding string theory, it might be possible that matter entering a black hole still exists as a hologram.
From Psycho to Jurassic Park: exploring iconic movie poster typography

From Heinz Schulz-Neudamm's Metropolis to Suzy Rice's Star Wars, here's a history of 10 iconic typeface designs that prove a film is nothing without its title.
Luc Besson tweets for the first time, announces new sci-fi starring Cara Delevingne

Besson is working on a science fiction feature adaptation of the popular French comic series "Valerian and Laureline."
Monty Python are aliens in "Absolutely Anything"

The aliens give an average man, played by Simon Pegg, super powers in hopes he does the world some good. Predictably, he uses his power to enlarge his penis and become the president.