News culture This iconic Dragon Ball Z villain could exist in real life, according to scientists. Explanations!
Aliens, cyborgs or even deities… The Dragon Ball universe is rich in fantastic characters that we doubt could exist in our world. However, it is actually one of the iconic antagonists of Dragon Ball Z, analyzed under the microscope by a scientist, who could exist in our world.
A slime mold
The official Dragon Ball website published an article a few days ago The aim is to analyze the nature of Majin Buu's character: an antagonist who puts a strain on Goku and his friends, the heroes of Dragon Ball Z. A formidable villain who shines with his power. He can absorb anything into his body, in addition to copying the abilities of those he faces.. Enough to change its shape too. A life form that exists in the real world and that the doctor and cell biologist Hisashi Haga (professor at Hokkaido University) talks about.
Buu has abilities that humans can't even dream of, such as regeneration and the ability to divide. Is there a living being comparable to Buu?
Professor Haga: There are several options to consider, but I think the most interesting one would be if it's related to something from the slime mold family… Buu can break into small pieces and assemble into one big Buu. This is identical to cellular slime molds. Cell fungi are microscopic creatures… they move independently to catch food.
To illustrate his point, Professor Haga explains that Buu reminds him of macrophages. These types of white blood cells absorb their enemies, absorbing them and then repelling them, along with changing their appearance. However, unlike Buu, it is a process that does not make her stronger, but rather leads to her death.
Evil for good for the earth?
Professor Haga further points out Buu's similarity to mitochondria. The latter are living beings that cannot survive on their own. That's why they merge with other living beings.. Something that is even more memorable for the antagonist of Dragon Ball Z since he uses his enemies to strengthen himself and that makes him formidable. A power that could be found in slime molds if they became aggressive:
Slime molds don't really attack humans or Saiyans, so it's difficult to compare their fighting abilities… However, if slime molds become aggressive, it could become a real problem. Slime mold is everywhere and it would be extremely difficult to get rid of it. I think attempting to eradicate them would only be truly possible for a Saiyan.
The interview ends with a very interesting point. The scientist compares Buu to an osteoclast: a cell in the body that constantly destroys bones, allowing our body to form new bones. In short, making something new out of something old.
For the people of Earth, Buu was an enemy because he had come to destroy their planet. But perhaps there was something in the entire universe that made Earth's destruction necessary.
An interview that shows once again the different perspectives from which stories can be read.
