When we think of navigation, we imagine satellite imagery mapping our world with laser-point precision. But not all maps are for navigating reality.

"World building” describes the mapping of entire fictional realms. Think the vast continent of Middle Earth in Lord of the Rings, or the expansive galaxies of Star Trek.

But it doesn’t end there. It can extend to complex political systems, ancient histories, and even functional languages.

This week, we’re bringing you stories about how these worlds are fabricated—and what they can teach us about our own.

It’s the second episode of Sci-Fi, a series envisioning alternative futures and imaginary realms. These stories were produced for the Science Galley’s new exhibition — Sci-Fi: Mythologies Transformed, which is open now.

Featuring stories by Finley Monaghan-McGrath, Matthew Yammouni Jagoda Ziolkowska, Madeline Barrett, and Disha Mehta.

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2030. That’s the date renowned futurist Ray Kurzweil says humans could merge with machines and achieve immortality. He's is a disciple of transhumanism — a movement aiming to cheat death through technological innovations.

We might not get there by 2030, but this week, we’re bringing you stories about the breakthroughs paving the way. Stories about breaking free from human limits.

It’s the first episode of Sci-Fi, a series envisioning alternative futures and imaginary realms. These stories were produced for the Science Galley’s new exhibition — Sci-Fi: Mythologies Transformed, which opens this weekend.

Featuring stories by Anna Siemering, Vivian Wei, Zi Xuan Kon, and Darcy Towe.

Image by kjpargeter on Freepik.

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For Australian whistleblowers, the truth often comes at price.

The Human Rights Law Centre says federal whistleblowing laws have failed to protect a single person since their inception, and those who speak out risk exorbitant fines or even jail time.

Today, you’ll hear from a panel of experts who say reforms are long overdue: Kieran Pender (an expert in legal frameworks for whistleblower protections), Karen Percy (a veteran journalist and leader in media advocacy), and Rick Morton (an investigative journalist who writes for the Saturday paper).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.