1986 11 00 OMNI - Jerome Clark

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue: November 1986
Volume: 11
Date: 1986-11
Publisher: OMNI
Country: USA
Language: English
Price: $3.00

This issue of OMNI magazine, dated November 1986, presents a diverse range of scientific and speculative topics, with a prominent cover story on "NANOTECHNOLOGY: MOLECULAR MACHINES THAT MIMIC LIFE." The cover also highlights articles on "ROBERT JARVIK'S BIONICS 2000," "NEURAL NETS: COMPUTERS THAT BEGIN TO THINK," "THE FIGHT TO FREE LAB ANIMALS," and "SOVIET CHILDREN'S SPACE ART." The visual design features the OMNI logo in pink against a dramatic, grid-like sky, with a silhouetted figure looking upwards.

Nanotechnology: Molecular Machines That Mimic Life

The lead article focuses on the burgeoning field of nanotechnology, exploring the concept of creating molecular machines capable of mimicking biological functions. This promises revolutionary advancements in various fields by manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular level.

Robert Jarvik's Bionics 2000

This section likely discusses advancements in artificial organs and prosthetics, potentially related to the work of Robert Jarvik, known for his artificial heart.

Neural Nets: Computers That Begin to Think

This article delves into the realm of artificial intelligence, specifically focusing on neural networks. These systems are designed to emulate the structure and function of the human brain, enabling computers to learn, recognize patterns, and potentially 'think' in ways previously unimaginable.

The Fight to Free Lab Animals

This piece addresses the ethical debate surrounding the use of animals in scientific research. It likely explores the arguments for and against animal testing, and the growing movement advocating for the rights and liberation of laboratory animals.

Soviet Children's Space Art

A cultural feature showcasing artwork created by children in the Soviet Union, with a theme related to space exploration. This offers a glimpse into the aspirations and imagination of young people in the USSR regarding space.

Anti Matter: UFO Update

This section, titled "ANTI MATTER," features a review of George Eberhart's monumental two-volume bibliography, "UFOs and the Extraterrestrial Contact Movement." Eberhart, an editor for the American Library Association, has spent years compiling this extensive work, which lists over 15,600 entries from 36 countries spanning 451 years. Despite not personally believing in aliens, Eberhart seeks out the strangest works related to UFO phenomena. The review highlights peculiar entries such as Cecil Michael's "Round Trip to Hell in a Flying Saucer," Florida Benton's "Hollow Earth Apocalypse: Asimov's Warning," and even a reference to the first UFO movie, "The Flying Saucer," which is rumored to have led to the government hoarding crashed alien craft. The bibliography also includes historical accounts, such as a 1534 mention by Pope Pius II of a "curious meteor," and more controversial works like "UFOs: Nazi Secret Weapon?" Eberhart notes that much of the material produced by "contactees" is filled with "interminable, devastatingly turgid messages and rambling theological tirades," but acknowledges their good intentions. He concludes that even a small percentage of genuine UFO cases represents a significant phenomenon, and that the collected literature reflects an "amazing aspect of culture around the world."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

OMNI magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, technology, and the speculative. This issue reinforces that by covering cutting-edge scientific concepts like nanotechnology and artificial intelligence, alongside more fringe topics such as UFOs and extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting a wide spectrum of ideas and phenomena for the reader's consideration, even those that are unusual or controversial. The inclusion of diverse topics like animal rights and children's art suggests a broad interest in human endeavors and societal issues within a futuristic and scientific context.