Michio Kaku: Difference between revisions

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| image = Michio Kaku at Miami University in 2020 (cropped).jpg
| image = Michio Kaku at Miami University in 2020 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Kaku in 2020
| caption = Kaku in 2020
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1947|1|24}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1947|1|24}}
| birth_place = [[San Jose, California]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[San Jose, California]], U.S.
| nationality = American
| nationality = American
| occupation = Theoretical physicist, author, science communicator
| occupation = Theoretical physicist, author, science communicator
| known_for = Light-cone string field theory, popular science books
| known_for = Light-cone [[string field theory]], popular science books
| spouse = Shizue Kaku
| spouse = Shizue Kaku
| children = 2
| children = 2
| education = [[University of California, Berkeley]] (Ph.D., 1972)
| education = [[University of California, Berkeley]] (Ph.D., 1972)
| employer = [[City College of New York]], [[CUNY Graduate Center]]
| employer = [[City College of New York]], [[CUNY Graduate Center]]
| awards = Sir Arthur Clarke Lifetime Achievement Award (2021)
| awards = [[Sir Arthur Clarke Award|Sir Arthur Clarke Lifetime Achievement Award]] (2021)
| website =  
| website =  
}}
}}


'''Michio Kaku''' ({{lang|ja|カク ミチオ, 加來 道雄}}; born January 24, 1947) is an American theoretical physicist, futurologist, author, and science communicator who has become one of the most recognizable scientific voices in contemporary media. A professor of theoretical physics at the [[City College of New York]] and the [[CUNY Graduate Center]], Kaku has spent his academic career working on [[string field theory]], particularly the development of light-cone string field theory. Beyond his contributions to theoretical physics, he has authored numerous popular science books — several of which became ''[[New York Times]]'' best sellers — including ''Physics of the Impossible'' (2008), ''Physics of the Future'' (2011), ''The Future of the Mind'' (2014), and ''The God Equation: The Quest for a Theory of Everything'' (2021). Kaku has hosted television specials for the [[BBC]], the [[Discovery Channel]], the [[History Channel]], and the [[Science Channel]], and he maintains an active presence in public discourse about science, technology, and the future of humanity. For his efforts to bridge science and science fiction, he received the Sir Arthur Clarke Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.<ref name="award">{{cite web |title=Sir Arthur Clarke Lifetime Achievement Award |url= |publisher=Arthur C. Clarke Foundation |date=2021 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He continues to lecture at universities across the United States and to appear as a commentator on scientific developments in popular media.<ref>{{cite web |title=Presidential Speaker Series features Dr. Michio Kaku, April 2 |url=https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2026/02/presidential-speaker-series-features-dr-michio-kaku-april-2/ |publisher=Illinois State University News |date=2026-02-18 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
'''Michio Kaku''' ({{lang|ja|カク ミチオ, 加來 道雄}}; born January 24, 1947) is an American theoretical physicist, futurist, science communicator, and author who has become one of the most recognizable figures in popular science. A professor of theoretical physics at the [[City College of New York]] and the [[CUNY Graduate Center]], Kaku has spent decades working on [[string field theory]], particularly the development of [[light-cone gauge|light-cone]] string field theory. Beyond his academic research, he has built a prolific career as a public intellectual, writing numerous bestselling books that translate complex physics concepts for general audiences. His books ''Physics of the Impossible'' (2008), ''Physics of the Future'' (2011), ''The Future of the Mind'' (2014), and ''The God Equation: The Quest for a Theory of Everything'' (2021) each reached ''[[The New York Times]]'' best-seller lists.<ref name="bigthinkbio">{{cite web |title=Dr. Michio Kaku |url=https://bigthink.com/people/dr-michio-kaku/ |publisher=Big Think |date=September 26, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He has hosted television specials for the [[BBC]], the [[Discovery Channel]], the [[History Channel]], and the [[Science Channel]], and he maintains an active presence as a commentator on scientific developments across radio, television, film, and digital media. For his efforts in bridging science and science fiction, he received the [[Sir Arthur Clarke Award|Sir Arthur Clarke Lifetime Achievement Award]] in 2021.<ref name="award">{{cite web |title=Sir Arthur Clarke Lifetime Achievement Award |url=https://bigthink.com/people/dr-michio-kaku/ |publisher=Big Think |date=September 26, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Early Life ==
== Early Life ==


Michio Kaku was born on January 24, 1947, in [[San Jose, California]], to Japanese-American parents. His family's heritage shaped aspects of his upbringing in the postwar United States, and he grew up in the [[San Francisco Bay Area]].<ref>{{cite web |title=100 Most Popular Nonfiction Authors |url=https://archive.org/details/100mostpopularno0000drew/page/189 |publisher=Libraries Unlimited |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Michio Kaku was born on January 24, 1947, in [[San Jose, California]], to Japanese-American parents. His family's experience in the United States was shaped by the events of [[World War II]]. Kaku grew up in the [[San Francisco Bay Area]], where he developed an early interest in science and physics. As a young student, he demonstrated an aptitude for scientific experimentation and inquiry that would eventually lead him to a career in theoretical physics.<ref name="drew">{{cite web |title=100 Most Popular Nonfiction Authors |url=https://archive.org/details/100mostpopularno0000drew/page/189 |publisher=Archive.org |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Kaku displayed an early fascination with physics and the fundamental workings of the universe. As a high school student, he built an atom smasher in his parents' garage for a science fair project, which attracted the attention of physicist [[Edward Teller]]. This early demonstration of scientific ambition helped set the course for his academic career.<ref>{{cite news |title=Physicist Dr. Michio Kaku Captivates Student Audience |url=http://www.sbstatesman.com/2014/03/27/physicist-dr-michio-kaku-captivates-student-audience/ |work=The Statesman |date=2014-03-27 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Kaku's intellectual curiosity manifested at an early age. He has recounted building scientific experiments as a teenager, including constructing a particle accelerator in his parents' garage for a science fair project. This project attracted the attention of physicist [[Edward Teller]], who became an early mentor figure and helped arrange a scholarship for Kaku to attend [[Harvard University]].<ref name="drew" />


Growing up as a Japanese American in the mid-twentieth century, Kaku was also aware of the broader social and political context in which science operated. His interest in physics was, from the start, connected not only to abstract theoretical questions but also to the real-world implications of scientific discovery — a dual concern that would later define his career as both a researcher and a public intellectual.
As a young man during the [[Vietnam War]], Kaku was drafted into the [[United States Army]]. He completed basic training at [[Fort Benning]], Georgia.<ref>{{cite web |title=Michio Kaku and Fort Benning |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_HBtAHuG6dwC&q=%22michio+kaku%22+%22fort+benning%22&pg=PA164 |publisher=Google Books |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The war ended before he was deployed to combat, and he was able to return to his academic pursuits. The experience of being drafted during a controversial conflict would later inform some of his perspectives on the relationship between science, technology, and society.


== Education ==
== Education ==


Kaku attended [[Harvard University]] for his undergraduate studies, where he graduated summa cum laude. He then pursued graduate work in physics at the [[University of California, Berkeley]], one of the leading centers for theoretical physics research in the United States. At Berkeley, he completed his doctoral dissertation, titled "Spin and Unitarity in Dual Resonance Models," in 1972, under the supervision of [[Stanley Mandelstam]] and [[Robert Pound]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Publications by Michio Kaku |url=https://journals.aps.org/search/query?&offset=0&q%5Bclauses%5D%5B%5D%5Bvalue%5D=kaku+michio&q%5Bclauses%5D%5B%5D%5Boperator%5D=AND&q%5Bclauses%5D%5B%5D%5Bfield%5D=author&q%5Bper_page%5D=25 |publisher=American Physical Society |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His doctoral research focused on the mathematical foundations of dual resonance models, which were precursors to modern string theory. This early work positioned Kaku at the forefront of a field that was still in its formative stages.
Kaku attended [[Harvard University]] as an undergraduate, where he studied physics. He graduated summa cum laude from Harvard, demonstrating early academic distinction in the field of theoretical physics.


During his time at Berkeley, Kaku was also affected by the Vietnam War era. He was drafted into the [[United States Army]] and completed basic training at [[Fort Benning]], though he did not serve in Vietnam, as the war wound down before he was deployed.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fort Benning reference |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_HBtAHuG6dwC&q=%22michio+kaku%22+%22fort+benning%22&pg=PA164 |publisher=Google Books |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The experience of the draft and the political turbulence of the late 1960s and early 1970s contributed to his later interest in the social dimensions of science and technology.
He pursued graduate studies at the [[University of California, Berkeley]], where he earned his [[Doctor of Philosophy|Ph.D.]] in 1972. His doctoral dissertation, titled "Spin and Unitarity in Dual Resonance Models," was completed under the supervision of [[Stanley Mandelstam]] and [[Robert Pound]].<ref name="bigthinkbio" /> Mandelstam was a prominent figure in the development of [[string theory]] and [[S-matrix]] theory, and his mentorship helped shape Kaku's research trajectory toward string field theory. Berkeley's physics department during this period was a center of activity in particle physics and the emerging framework of dual resonance models, which would later evolve into modern string theory.


== Career ==
== Career ==
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=== Academic Research ===
=== Academic Research ===


After completing his doctorate, Kaku embarked on an academic career in theoretical physics. He held positions at several institutions, including [[New York University]], [[Princeton University]], and the [[Institute for Advanced Study]], before joining the faculty of the [[City College of New York]], where he became a professor of theoretical physics. He also holds a position at the [[CUNY Graduate Center]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Dr. Michio Kaku |url=https://bigthink.com/people/dr-michio-kaku/ |publisher=Big Think |date=2025-09-26 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Following the completion of his doctorate, Kaku embarked on an academic career in theoretical physics. He held positions at [[Princeton University]] and the [[Institute for Advanced Study]] before joining the faculty of the [[City College of New York]], where he became a professor of theoretical physics. He also holds an appointment at the [[CUNY Graduate Center]].<ref name="bigthinkbio" />


Kaku's primary research focus has been in the area of [[string field theory]], and he is credited with co-founding light-cone string field theory, a formulation that seeks to describe the interactions of strings in a manner consistent with both quantum mechanics and special relativity. His academic publications appear in peer-reviewed journals, including ''[[Physical Review D]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kaku, M. - Light-cone field theory |url=https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1974PhRvD..10.1823K |publisher=NASA ADS |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Physical Review D abstract |url=http://prd.aps.org/abstract/PRD/v10/i6/p1823_1 |publisher=American Physical Society |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Kaku's primary area of research is [[string field theory]], specifically the development of light-cone string field theory. String theory posits that the fundamental constituents of the universe are not point-like particles but rather one-dimensional "strings" whose vibrational patterns give rise to the particles and forces observed in nature. Kaku has contributed to the theoretical framework that attempts to formulate string theory as a [[quantum field theory]], an approach known as string field theory. His research papers have appeared in journals published by the [[American Physical Society]], including ''[[Physical Review D]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kaku Michio — Physical Review Search |url=https://journals.aps.org/search/query?&offset=0&q%5Bclauses%5D%5B%5D%5Bvalue%5D=kaku+michio&q%5Bclauses%5D%5B%5D%5Boperator%5D=AND&q%5Bclauses%5D%5B%5D%5Bfield%5D=author&q%5Bper_page%5D=25 |publisher=American Physical Society |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Off-mass-shell dual amplitudes |url=https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1974PhRvD..10.1823K |publisher=SAO/NASA Astrophysics Data System |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


String field theory seeks to provide a complete quantum-mechanical description of string theory, analogous to how quantum field theory describes point particles. Kaku's contributions to the light-cone formulation were part of a broader effort in the physics community during the 1970s and 1980s to develop a mathematically rigorous framework for string interactions. His work in this area has been part of the larger quest for a unified field theory — sometimes called a "theory of everything" — that would reconcile general relativity with quantum mechanics.
His academic work has also extended to broader questions in theoretical physics, including the search for a unified field theory — sometimes referred to as a "theory of everything" — that would reconcile [[general relativity]] with [[quantum mechanics]]. This theme has been central not only to his research but also to his public engagement with science, particularly in his 2021 book ''The God Equation''.<ref name="bigthinkbio" />


In addition to his research papers, Kaku has authored academic textbooks used in graduate-level physics courses. These works cover topics in quantum field theory and string theory, contributing to the pedagogical literature of the discipline.
=== Popular Science Writing ===


=== Popular Science Writing ===
Kaku is the author of numerous books that translate complex topics in physics, technology, and futurism for a general readership. Several of his works have achieved commercial success, with four reaching the ''New York Times'' best-seller list.
 
''Physics of the Impossible'' (2008) examined technologies from science fiction — such as [[teleportation]], [[force field]]s, and [[time travel]] — and assessed their plausibility according to known physics, categorizing them by the degree to which they violate established physical laws. ''Physics of the Future'' (2011) offered predictions about technological developments over the coming century, drawing on interviews with scientists and engineers. ''The Future of the Mind'' (2014) explored advances in [[neuroscience]] and the potential for technologies that could enhance or interface with human cognition. ''The God Equation: The Quest for a Theory of Everything'' (2021) presented the history and current state of the search for a unified theory of physics, focusing on string theory as the leading candidate.<ref name="bigthinkbio" />


Kaku became increasingly known to the general public through his popular science books, which translate complex theoretical physics concepts into language accessible to non-specialist readers. His publishing career in this area spans several decades and includes a number of titles that achieved commercial success and critical attention.
His book ''Hyperspace'' was a finalist for the [[Samuel Johnson Prize]] (now known as the Baillie Gifford Prize), a major British nonfiction literary award.<ref>{{cite web |title=Samuel Johnson Prize — Previous Shortlists |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313055848/http://www.thesamueljohnsonprize.co.uk/pages/content/index.asp?PageID=81 |publisher=The Samuel Johnson Prize |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Among his best-known books are:
In his writing, Kaku has sought to make abstract concepts in physics — particularly string theory, [[quantum mechanics]], and cosmology — accessible to readers without technical backgrounds. His approach typically involves drawing analogies to everyday experience and science fiction to illustrate theoretical principles.


* ''[[Hyperspace (book)|Hyperspace]]'' (1994), which introduced general readers to the concept of higher dimensions in physics. The book was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize.<ref>{{cite web |title=Samuel Johnson Prize shortlist |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313055848/http://www.thesamueljohnsonprize.co.uk/pages/content/index.asp?PageID=81 |publisher=The Samuel Johnson Prize |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
=== Television and Media Appearances ===
* ''Physics of the Impossible'' (2008), which examined technologies from science fiction — such as force fields, invisibility, and time travel — through the lens of known physics, assessing how close or far these concepts are from realization. The book became a ''New York Times'' best seller.
* ''Physics of the Future'' (2011), which offered predictions about technological developments in the coming century, based on interviews with scientists and engineers. It also became a ''New York Times'' best seller.
* ''The Future of the Mind'' (2014), which explored neuroscience and the physics of consciousness, discussing topics such as telepathy, telekinesis, and the possibility of uploading consciousness to computers. This book likewise reached the ''New York Times'' best-seller list.
* ''The God Equation: The Quest for a Theory of Everything'' (2021), which traced the history of attempts to find a single equation that would unify all the forces of nature. It became a ''New York Times'' best seller.<ref>{{cite news |title=Book review |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C02E7DA1630F937A35751C1A962958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=22 |work=The New York Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Kaku's approach in these books typically involves presenting cutting-edge physics in the context of its potential future applications, often drawing on science fiction as a point of entry. His writing tends to be optimistic about the trajectory of scientific progress, and he frequently speculates about how developments in physics and technology could reshape civilization.
Beyond his written work, Kaku has established a significant presence in broadcast media. He has hosted television specials and series for major networks and channels, including the [[BBC]], the [[Discovery Channel]], the [[History Channel]], and the [[Science Channel]].<ref name="bigthinkbio" /> His television work has covered topics ranging from the physics of time travel to the future of technology and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.


=== Television, Radio, and Media ===
Kaku has appeared frequently on news programs and talk shows as a commentator on scientific topics, explaining developments in physics, astronomy, and technology for mainstream audiences. His appearances span radio, television, and film.<ref>{{cite web |title=Michio Kaku — IMDb |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0435434/ |publisher=IMDb |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Beyond the printed page, Kaku has been a prolific presence in broadcast media. He has hosted television specials for the [[BBC]], the [[Discovery Channel]], the [[History Channel]], and the [[Science Channel]]. These programs typically explore topics such as the future of technology, the nature of the universe, and the possibilities of advanced physics.<ref>{{cite web |title=Michio Kaku filmography |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0435434/ |publisher=IMDb |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
He has been a guest on ''[[Coast to Coast AM]]'', the late-night radio program focused on science, technology, and unexplained phenomena, where he has discussed topics such as the future of physics and space exploration.<ref>{{cite web |title=Coast to Coast AM — November 30, 2007 |url=http://www.coasttocoastam.com/shows/2007/11/30.html |publisher=Coast to Coast AM |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


On radio, Kaku has been a regular guest on programs such as ''[[Coast to Coast AM]]'', where he has discussed a wide range of scientific and speculative topics.<ref>{{cite web |title=Coast to Coast AM show listing |url=http://www.coasttocoastam.com/shows/2007/11/30.html |publisher=Coast to Coast AM |date=2007-11-30 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He has also hosted his own radio programs over the years, using the format to engage with public questions about science and the future.
In more recent years, Kaku has contributed regularly to [[Big Think]], a media platform featuring expert commentary on science, technology, and culture. In 2025, he appeared in multiple Big Think features discussing topics including the [[Kardashev scale]] and the classification of civilizations, quantum computing and its implications for the future, and his ongoing work on string theory and the quest for a unified field theory.<ref>{{cite web |title=Michio Kaku: Why we don't even rank on the Kardashev scale |url=https://bigthink.com/series/the-big-think-interview/michio-kaku-kardashev/ |work=Big Think |date=September 4, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Michio Kaku wants to solve Einstein's unfinished equation |url=https://bigthink.com/series/full-interview/michio-kaku-quantum/ |work=Big Think |date=August 1, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Kaku has appeared as a commentator in numerous documentary films and news segments. His ability to explain complex scientific concepts in accessible terms has made him a frequent choice for media outlets seeking expert commentary on developments in physics, space exploration, and technology.
Kaku has also served on the board of advisors for [[CuriosityStream]], a documentary streaming service.<ref>{{cite web |title=CuriosityStream Board |url=https://curiositystream.com/board |publisher=CuriosityStream |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


In recent years, Kaku has maintained an active online presence through appearances on platforms such as [[Big Think]], where he discusses topics ranging from string theory and quantum computing to the [[Kardashev scale]] and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.<ref>{{cite web |title=Michio Kaku: Why we don't even rank on the Kardashev scale |url=https://bigthink.com/series/the-big-think-interview/michio-kaku-kardashev/ |publisher=Big Think |date=2025-09-04 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Michio Kaku wants to solve Einstein's unfinished equation |url=https://bigthink.com/series/full-interview/michio-kaku-quantum/ |publisher=Big Think |date=2025-08-01 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He has also discussed topics such as the potential of quantum supremacy to transform computing and technology.<ref>{{cite web |title=From string theory to quantum supremacy with Michio Kaku |url=https://www.kpcw.org/show/cool-science-radio/2025-10-23/csr-10-23-from-string-theory-to-quantum-supremacy-with-michio-kaku |publisher=KPCW |date=2025-10-23 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
=== Public Speaking ===


=== Public Lectures and Speaking ===
Kaku maintains an active schedule as a public speaker, delivering lectures at universities, conferences, and public events. His talks typically cover topics in physics, the future of technology, and the implications of scientific discovery for society.


Kaku is an active public speaker, delivering lectures at universities, conferences, and public events throughout the United States and internationally. His speaking engagements typically cover topics in theoretical physics, the future of technology, and the nature of scientific inquiry. In 2025, he delivered a lecture at the [[University of Tennessee]] on the physics of time travel.<ref>{{cite news |title=Physicist Michio Kaku to investigate specifics on time travel at UC |url=https://utdailybeacon.com/77332/news/physicist-michio-kaku-to-investigate-specifics-on-time-travel-at-uc/ |work=The Daily Beacon |date=2025-12-21 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> In early 2026, [[Illinois State University]] announced that Kaku would be featured in its Presidential Speaker Series.<ref>{{cite web |title=Presidential Speaker Series features Dr. Michio Kaku, April 2 |url=https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2026/02/presidential-speaker-series-features-dr-michio-kaku-april-2/ |publisher=Illinois State University News |date=2026-02-18 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In 2025, he spoke at the [[University of Tennessee]] on the physics of time travel, exploring what current theoretical physics has to say about the plausibility of traveling through time.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 21, 2025 |title=Physicist Michio Kaku to investigate specifics on time travel at UC |url=https://utdailybeacon.com/77332/news/physicist-michio-kaku-to-investigate-specifics-on-time-travel-at-uc/ |work=The Daily Beacon |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He also appeared on [[KPCW]] radio to discuss string theory and quantum computing, addressing how the next wave of scientific breakthroughs could reshape technology and society.<ref>{{cite web |title=From string theory to quantum supremacy with Michio Kaku |url=https://www.kpcw.org/show/cool-science-radio/2025-10-23/csr-10-23-from-string-theory-to-quantum-supremacy-with-michio-kaku |publisher=KPCW |date=October 23, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


His lecture style draws on the same techniques he uses in his writing and media appearances: translating abstract physics into concrete analogies and connecting fundamental research to questions of broad public interest.
In 2026, [[Illinois State University]] announced that Kaku would be the featured speaker in its Presidential Speaker Series, with an appearance scheduled for April 2, 2026. The university described him as a "futurist, physicist, and bestselling author."<ref>{{cite news |date=February 2026 |title=Presidential Speaker Series features Dr. Michio Kaku, April 2 |url=https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2026/02/presidential-speaker-series-features-dr-michio-kaku-april-2/ |work=Illinois State University News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


=== Activism and Social Commentary ===
His lectures have also been delivered at numerous other academic institutions. In 2014, he spoke at [[Stony Brook University]], where his presentation was reported as captivating the student audience with explanations of complex physics concepts.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 27, 2014 |title=Physicist Dr. Michio Kaku captivates student audience |url=http://www.sbstatesman.com/2014/03/27/physicist-dr-michio-kaku-captivates-student-audience/ |work=The Statesman |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Throughout his career, Kaku has engaged with the social and political implications of science and technology. He has spoken and written about nuclear weapons, nuclear power, and the environmental consequences of energy policy. He was involved in anti-nuclear activism and has commented on the risks posed by nuclear technologies.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nuclear Threats and the New World Order |url=http://www.ratical.org/radiation/inetSeries/NthrtsNnwo.html |publisher=Ratical.org |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He was also vocal in his opposition to the [[Cassini–Huygens]] mission's use of [[plutonium]]-based power sources, expressing concern about the potential risks of a launch accident.<ref>{{cite web |title=Michio Kaku on Cassini |url=http://www.animatedsoftware.com/cassini/mk9708so.htm |publisher=Animated Software Company |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
=== Science Advocacy and Commentary ===


Kaku's activism reflects a broader concern with the responsible application of scientific knowledge — a theme that runs through much of his public communication. He has argued that scientists have a responsibility to engage with the public about the implications of their work.
Throughout his career, Kaku has been an advocate for scientific literacy and public engagement with science. He has spoken and written about a range of issues at the intersection of science, technology, and public policy. His commentary has addressed nuclear proliferation and the risks of nuclear technology,<ref>{{cite web |title=Nuclear Threats and the New World Order |url=http://www.ratical.org/radiation/inetSeries/NthrtsNnwo.html |publisher=Ratical.org |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> space exploration policy, and the societal implications of emerging technologies such as [[artificial intelligence]] and [[quantum computing]].


=== Deepfakes and Misinformation ===
In 2025, Kaku was drawn into public discussion surrounding the interstellar comet [[3I/ATLAS]] (C/2025 G3). He provided commentary to [[NewsNation]] speculating about the comet's age and characteristics, attributing its unique features to its vast age rather than extraterrestrial origin.<ref>{{cite news |date=November 8, 2025 |title=How old is 3I/ATLAS? Renowned physicist speculates |url=https://www.newsnationnow.com/space/3i-atlas-mystery-michio-kaku/ |work=NewsNation |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The comet also led to a separate incident in which AI-generated [[deepfake]] videos used Kaku's image and likeness without authorization to promote the false claim that the comet was an alien spacecraft. Kaku publicly warned about these deepfakes, and the incident was covered by ''[[PC Magazine]]'' as an example of the growing misuse of AI-generated media to exploit the credibility of public scientists.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=October 29, 2025 |title=AI Deepfakes Target Physicists to Push Claim That Comet Is an Alien Spacecraft |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/ai-deepfakes-targets-physicists-to-push-claim-that-comet-is-an-alien-spacecraft |work=PCMag |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


In late 2025, Kaku drew attention to the problem of [[artificial intelligence]]-generated deepfakes after discovering that his likeness had been used in fabricated videos to promote false claims that the interstellar comet [[3I/ATLAS]] was an alien spacecraft. Kaku publicly warned about the dangers of such technology and clarified that he attributed the comet's characteristics to its vast age rather than any extraterrestrial origin.<ref>{{cite news |title=AI Deepfakes Target Physicists to Push Claim That Comet Is an Alien Spacecraft |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/ai-deepfakes-targets-physicists-to-push-claim-that-comet-is-an-alien-spacecraft |work=PCMag |date=2025-10-29 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=How old is 3I/ATLAS? Renowned physicist speculates |url=https://www.newsnationnow.com/space/3i-atlas-mystery-michio-kaku/ |work=NewsNation |date=2025-11-08 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Kaku has also commented on the risks associated with the [[Cassini–Huygens]] space mission's use of [[plutonium]]-based [[radioisotope thermoelectric generator]]s, raising concerns about potential environmental consequences in the event of a launch failure.<ref>{{cite web |title=Michio Kaku on Cassini |url=http://www.animatedsoftware.com/cassini/mk9708so.htm |publisher=Animated Software |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Personal Life ==
== Personal Life ==


Michio Kaku is married to Shizue Kaku, and the couple have two children. He resides in the [[New York City]] area, where he has been based for much of his academic career at the City College of New York.
Kaku is married to Shizue Kaku. The couple has two children. He resides in [[New York City]], where he has been based for much of his academic career at the City College of New York.<ref name="bigthinkbio" />


Kaku has spoken publicly about the influence of his Japanese-American heritage on his worldview and his approach to science. His parents' experiences as Japanese Americans during the mid-twentieth century informed his awareness of the intersection of science, society, and politics.
Kaku has spoken publicly about his Japanese-American heritage and its influence on his worldview. His parents were among the [[Japanese Americans]] who experienced the upheavals of World War II in the United States, and this family history has informed his interest in the ethical dimensions of scientific and technological development.


He serves on the board of advisors for [[CuriosityStream]], a documentary streaming service focused on science and technology content.<ref>{{cite web |title=CuriosityStream Board |url=https://curiositystream.com/board |publisher=CuriosityStream |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
He has written for and appeared in various Japanese media outlets, including contributing to ''Skyward'', the inflight magazine of [[Japan Airlines]].<ref>{{cite web |title=JAL Skyward |url=http://www.jal.co.jp/en/inflight/skyward/ |publisher=Japan Airlines |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Recognition ==
== Recognition ==


Kaku's contributions to both theoretical physics and science communication have been recognized through several awards and honors. In 2021, he received the Sir Arthur Clarke Lifetime Achievement Award for his efforts to bridge science and science fiction — an award that acknowledged his decades of work making complex physics accessible to the public.<ref name="award" />
Kaku's contributions to both theoretical physics and science communication have been recognized through a number of honors and awards.
 
In 2021, he received the [[Sir Arthur Clarke Award|Sir Arthur Clarke Lifetime Achievement Award]], which recognized his efforts to bridge the gap between science and science fiction over the course of his career.<ref name="award" /> The award, named after the British science fiction writer [[Arthur C. Clarke]], is given to individuals who have made significant contributions in the spirit of Clarke's legacy of combining scientific rigor with imaginative vision.


His book ''Hyperspace'' was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize, one of the United Kingdom's leading nonfiction book awards, recognizing the quality of his popular science writing.<ref>{{cite web |title=Samuel Johnson Prize shortlist |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313055848/http://www.thesamueljohnsonprize.co.uk/pages/content/index.asp?PageID=81 |publisher=The Samuel Johnson Prize |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
His book ''Hyperspace'' was shortlisted for the [[Samuel Johnson Prize]], one of the United Kingdom's most prominent awards for nonfiction writing.<ref>{{cite web |title=Samuel Johnson Prize — Previous Shortlists |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313055848/http://www.thesamueljohnsonprize.co.uk/pages/content/index.asp?PageID=81 |publisher=The Samuel Johnson Prize |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Four of his popular science books — ''Physics of the Impossible'', ''Physics of the Future'', ''The Future of the Mind'', and ''The God Equation'' — reached the ''New York Times'' best-seller list, a marker of his ability to attract a large general readership to subjects in theoretical physics.
As an author, Kaku has achieved substantial commercial recognition, with four of his books — ''Physics of the Impossible'', ''Physics of the Future'', ''The Future of the Mind'', and ''The God Equation'' — reaching the ''New York Times'' best-seller list.<ref name="bigthinkbio" />


Kaku has been profiled and featured in major media outlets, including ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Profile |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703580904574638230276797924 |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He has also been featured in ''[[Beyond (magazine)|Beyond]]'' and other publications.<ref>{{cite web |title=Beyond Magazine cover |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080311084702/http://www.apexstuff.com/bt/200702/cover.asp |publisher=Beyond Magazine |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
His role as a public commentator on science has led to feature profiles and interviews in major publications, including ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Michio Kaku profile |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703580904574638230276797924 |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==


Michio Kaku occupies a distinctive position in contemporary science as both an active researcher in theoretical physics and one of the most prominent science communicators of his generation. His career spans the development of light-cone string field theory in the 1970s through decades of sustained public engagement with topics ranging from the future of computing to the search for a unified theory of physics.
Kaku's career spans two interconnected domains: academic research in theoretical physics and the public communication of science. In the former, his contributions to light-cone string field theory have been part of the broader effort to develop a mathematically rigorous formulation of string theory, a pursuit that remains one of the central challenges in fundamental physics.


His popular science books have introduced millions of readers to concepts in theoretical physics that might otherwise remain inaccessible outside academia. By framing advanced physics in terms of its potential future applications — and by drawing on the cultural appeal of science fiction Kaku has created a body of work that serves as a bridge between the research community and the general public.
In the latter domain, Kaku has played a role in popularizing string theory, quantum mechanics, and futuristic technologies for mass audiences through books, television, radio, and public lectures. His approach of using science fiction as a framework for discussing real physics has attracted both popular interest and the attention of figures like [[Arthur C. Clarke]], for whom the bridging of science and imagination was a central concern — as reflected in the Clarke Lifetime Achievement Award Kaku received in 2021.


As a science communicator, Kaku has helped shape public discourse about the possibilities and risks of emerging technologies. His discussions of quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and space exploration have appeared across a wide range of media platforms, from network television to online video. His willingness to engage with speculative questions — such as the feasibility of time travel or the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence — has drawn both interest and scrutiny, placing him at the center of debates about the role of speculation in science communication.
His continued activity as a public speaker and media commentator into the mid-2020s, including university lectures, radio appearances, and commentary on current scientific events such as the 3I/ATLAS comet, demonstrates an ongoing engagement with both the scientific community and the broader public.<ref>{{cite web |title=Michio Kaku: Why we don't even rank on the Kardashev scale |url=https://bigthink.com/series/the-big-think-interview/michio-kaku-kardashev/ |work=Big Think |date=September 4, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=February 2026 |title=Presidential Speaker Series features Dr. Michio Kaku, April 2 |url=https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2026/02/presidential-speaker-series-features-dr-michio-kaku-april-2/ |work=Illinois State University News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Kaku's activism on issues related to nuclear technology and his commentary on the social responsibilities of scientists reflect a view of the physicist as a public intellectual with obligations extending beyond the laboratory. His career, taken as a whole, represents an attempt to unite rigorous theoretical work with broad public engagement — a combination that has defined his place in both the academic and popular landscapes of contemporary physics.
The 2025 deepfake incident involving Kaku's image also highlighted a broader issue facing public scientists in the age of artificial intelligence: the vulnerability of trusted public figures to having their credibility exploited through synthetic media. Kaku's public response to the incident contributed to wider awareness of this emerging challenge.<ref>{{cite news |date=October 29, 2025 |title=AI Deepfakes Target Physicists to Push Claim That Comet Is an Alien Spacecraft |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/ai-deepfakes-targets-physicists-to-push-claim-that-comet-is-an-alien-spacecraft |work=PCMag |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
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Latest revision as of 04:18, 24 February 2026

Michio Kaku
Kaku in 2020
Michio Kaku
Born24 1, 1947
BirthplaceSan Jose, California, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationTheoretical physicist, author, science communicator
EmployerCity College of New York, CUNY Graduate Center
Known forLight-cone string field theory, popular science books
EducationUniversity of California, Berkeley (Ph.D., 1972)
Spouse(s)Shizue Kaku
Children2
AwardsSir Arthur Clarke Lifetime Achievement Award (2021)

Michio Kaku (Template:Lang; born January 24, 1947) is an American theoretical physicist, futurist, science communicator, and author who has become one of the most recognizable figures in popular science. A professor of theoretical physics at the City College of New York and the CUNY Graduate Center, Kaku has spent decades working on string field theory, particularly the development of light-cone string field theory. Beyond his academic research, he has built a prolific career as a public intellectual, writing numerous bestselling books that translate complex physics concepts for general audiences. His books Physics of the Impossible (2008), Physics of the Future (2011), The Future of the Mind (2014), and The God Equation: The Quest for a Theory of Everything (2021) each reached The New York Times best-seller lists.[1] He has hosted television specials for the BBC, the Discovery Channel, the History Channel, and the Science Channel, and he maintains an active presence as a commentator on scientific developments across radio, television, film, and digital media. For his efforts in bridging science and science fiction, he received the Sir Arthur Clarke Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.[2]

Early Life

Michio Kaku was born on January 24, 1947, in San Jose, California, to Japanese-American parents. His family's experience in the United States was shaped by the events of World War II. Kaku grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he developed an early interest in science and physics. As a young student, he demonstrated an aptitude for scientific experimentation and inquiry that would eventually lead him to a career in theoretical physics.[3]

Kaku's intellectual curiosity manifested at an early age. He has recounted building scientific experiments as a teenager, including constructing a particle accelerator in his parents' garage for a science fair project. This project attracted the attention of physicist Edward Teller, who became an early mentor figure and helped arrange a scholarship for Kaku to attend Harvard University.[3]

As a young man during the Vietnam War, Kaku was drafted into the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia.[4] The war ended before he was deployed to combat, and he was able to return to his academic pursuits. The experience of being drafted during a controversial conflict would later inform some of his perspectives on the relationship between science, technology, and society.

Education

Kaku attended Harvard University as an undergraduate, where he studied physics. He graduated summa cum laude from Harvard, demonstrating early academic distinction in the field of theoretical physics.

He pursued graduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his Ph.D. in 1972. His doctoral dissertation, titled "Spin and Unitarity in Dual Resonance Models," was completed under the supervision of Stanley Mandelstam and Robert Pound.[1] Mandelstam was a prominent figure in the development of string theory and S-matrix theory, and his mentorship helped shape Kaku's research trajectory toward string field theory. Berkeley's physics department during this period was a center of activity in particle physics and the emerging framework of dual resonance models, which would later evolve into modern string theory.

Career

Academic Research

Following the completion of his doctorate, Kaku embarked on an academic career in theoretical physics. He held positions at Princeton University and the Institute for Advanced Study before joining the faculty of the City College of New York, where he became a professor of theoretical physics. He also holds an appointment at the CUNY Graduate Center.[1]

Kaku's primary area of research is string field theory, specifically the development of light-cone string field theory. String theory posits that the fundamental constituents of the universe are not point-like particles but rather one-dimensional "strings" whose vibrational patterns give rise to the particles and forces observed in nature. Kaku has contributed to the theoretical framework that attempts to formulate string theory as a quantum field theory, an approach known as string field theory. His research papers have appeared in journals published by the American Physical Society, including Physical Review D.[5][6]

His academic work has also extended to broader questions in theoretical physics, including the search for a unified field theory — sometimes referred to as a "theory of everything" — that would reconcile general relativity with quantum mechanics. This theme has been central not only to his research but also to his public engagement with science, particularly in his 2021 book The God Equation.[1]

Popular Science Writing

Kaku is the author of numerous books that translate complex topics in physics, technology, and futurism for a general readership. Several of his works have achieved commercial success, with four reaching the New York Times best-seller list.

Physics of the Impossible (2008) examined technologies from science fiction — such as teleportation, force fields, and time travel — and assessed their plausibility according to known physics, categorizing them by the degree to which they violate established physical laws. Physics of the Future (2011) offered predictions about technological developments over the coming century, drawing on interviews with scientists and engineers. The Future of the Mind (2014) explored advances in neuroscience and the potential for technologies that could enhance or interface with human cognition. The God Equation: The Quest for a Theory of Everything (2021) presented the history and current state of the search for a unified theory of physics, focusing on string theory as the leading candidate.[1]

His book Hyperspace was a finalist for the Samuel Johnson Prize (now known as the Baillie Gifford Prize), a major British nonfiction literary award.[7]

In his writing, Kaku has sought to make abstract concepts in physics — particularly string theory, quantum mechanics, and cosmology — accessible to readers without technical backgrounds. His approach typically involves drawing analogies to everyday experience and science fiction to illustrate theoretical principles.

Television and Media Appearances

Beyond his written work, Kaku has established a significant presence in broadcast media. He has hosted television specials and series for major networks and channels, including the BBC, the Discovery Channel, the History Channel, and the Science Channel.[1] His television work has covered topics ranging from the physics of time travel to the future of technology and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

Kaku has appeared frequently on news programs and talk shows as a commentator on scientific topics, explaining developments in physics, astronomy, and technology for mainstream audiences. His appearances span radio, television, and film.[8]

He has been a guest on Coast to Coast AM, the late-night radio program focused on science, technology, and unexplained phenomena, where he has discussed topics such as the future of physics and space exploration.[9]

In more recent years, Kaku has contributed regularly to Big Think, a media platform featuring expert commentary on science, technology, and culture. In 2025, he appeared in multiple Big Think features discussing topics including the Kardashev scale and the classification of civilizations, quantum computing and its implications for the future, and his ongoing work on string theory and the quest for a unified field theory.[10][11]

Kaku has also served on the board of advisors for CuriosityStream, a documentary streaming service.[12]

Public Speaking

Kaku maintains an active schedule as a public speaker, delivering lectures at universities, conferences, and public events. His talks typically cover topics in physics, the future of technology, and the implications of scientific discovery for society.

In 2025, he spoke at the University of Tennessee on the physics of time travel, exploring what current theoretical physics has to say about the plausibility of traveling through time.[13] He also appeared on KPCW radio to discuss string theory and quantum computing, addressing how the next wave of scientific breakthroughs could reshape technology and society.[14]

In 2026, Illinois State University announced that Kaku would be the featured speaker in its Presidential Speaker Series, with an appearance scheduled for April 2, 2026. The university described him as a "futurist, physicist, and bestselling author."[15]

His lectures have also been delivered at numerous other academic institutions. In 2014, he spoke at Stony Brook University, where his presentation was reported as captivating the student audience with explanations of complex physics concepts.[16]

Science Advocacy and Commentary

Throughout his career, Kaku has been an advocate for scientific literacy and public engagement with science. He has spoken and written about a range of issues at the intersection of science, technology, and public policy. His commentary has addressed nuclear proliferation and the risks of nuclear technology,[17] space exploration policy, and the societal implications of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

In 2025, Kaku was drawn into public discussion surrounding the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS (C/2025 G3). He provided commentary to NewsNation speculating about the comet's age and characteristics, attributing its unique features to its vast age rather than extraterrestrial origin.[18] The comet also led to a separate incident in which AI-generated deepfake videos used Kaku's image and likeness without authorization to promote the false claim that the comet was an alien spacecraft. Kaku publicly warned about these deepfakes, and the incident was covered by PC Magazine as an example of the growing misuse of AI-generated media to exploit the credibility of public scientists.[19]

Kaku has also commented on the risks associated with the Cassini–Huygens space mission's use of plutonium-based radioisotope thermoelectric generators, raising concerns about potential environmental consequences in the event of a launch failure.[20]

Personal Life

Kaku is married to Shizue Kaku. The couple has two children. He resides in New York City, where he has been based for much of his academic career at the City College of New York.[1]

Kaku has spoken publicly about his Japanese-American heritage and its influence on his worldview. His parents were among the Japanese Americans who experienced the upheavals of World War II in the United States, and this family history has informed his interest in the ethical dimensions of scientific and technological development.

He has written for and appeared in various Japanese media outlets, including contributing to Skyward, the inflight magazine of Japan Airlines.[21]

Recognition

Kaku's contributions to both theoretical physics and science communication have been recognized through a number of honors and awards.

In 2021, he received the Sir Arthur Clarke Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognized his efforts to bridge the gap between science and science fiction over the course of his career.[2] The award, named after the British science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke, is given to individuals who have made significant contributions in the spirit of Clarke's legacy of combining scientific rigor with imaginative vision.

His book Hyperspace was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize, one of the United Kingdom's most prominent awards for nonfiction writing.[22]

As an author, Kaku has achieved substantial commercial recognition, with four of his books — Physics of the Impossible, Physics of the Future, The Future of the Mind, and The God Equation — reaching the New York Times best-seller list.[1]

His role as a public commentator on science has led to feature profiles and interviews in major publications, including The Wall Street Journal.[23]

Legacy

Kaku's career spans two interconnected domains: academic research in theoretical physics and the public communication of science. In the former, his contributions to light-cone string field theory have been part of the broader effort to develop a mathematically rigorous formulation of string theory, a pursuit that remains one of the central challenges in fundamental physics.

In the latter domain, Kaku has played a role in popularizing string theory, quantum mechanics, and futuristic technologies for mass audiences through books, television, radio, and public lectures. His approach of using science fiction as a framework for discussing real physics has attracted both popular interest and the attention of figures like Arthur C. Clarke, for whom the bridging of science and imagination was a central concern — as reflected in the Clarke Lifetime Achievement Award Kaku received in 2021.

His continued activity as a public speaker and media commentator into the mid-2020s, including university lectures, radio appearances, and commentary on current scientific events such as the 3I/ATLAS comet, demonstrates an ongoing engagement with both the scientific community and the broader public.[24][25]

The 2025 deepfake incident involving Kaku's image also highlighted a broader issue facing public scientists in the age of artificial intelligence: the vulnerability of trusted public figures to having their credibility exploited through synthetic media. Kaku's public response to the incident contributed to wider awareness of this emerging challenge.[26]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 "Dr. Michio Kaku".Big Think.September 26, 2025.https://bigthink.com/people/dr-michio-kaku/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  2. 2.0 2.1 "Sir Arthur Clarke Lifetime Achievement Award".Big Think.September 26, 2025.https://bigthink.com/people/dr-michio-kaku/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  3. 3.0 3.1 "100 Most Popular Nonfiction Authors".Archive.org.https://archive.org/details/100mostpopularno0000drew/page/189.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  4. "Michio Kaku and Fort Benning".Google Books.https://books.google.com/books?id=_HBtAHuG6dwC&q=%22michio+kaku%22+%22fort+benning%22&pg=PA164.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  5. "Kaku Michio — Physical Review Search".American Physical Society.https://journals.aps.org/search/query?&offset=0&q%5Bclauses%5D%5B%5D%5Bvalue%5D=kaku+michio&q%5Bclauses%5D%5B%5D%5Boperator%5D=AND&q%5Bclauses%5D%5B%5D%5Bfield%5D=author&q%5Bper_page%5D=25.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  6. "Off-mass-shell dual amplitudes".SAO/NASA Astrophysics Data System.https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1974PhRvD..10.1823K.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  7. "Samuel Johnson Prize — Previous Shortlists".The Samuel Johnson Prize.https://web.archive.org/web/20120313055848/http://www.thesamueljohnsonprize.co.uk/pages/content/index.asp?PageID=81.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  8. "Michio Kaku — IMDb".IMDb.https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0435434/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  9. "Coast to Coast AM — November 30, 2007".Coast to Coast AM.http://www.coasttocoastam.com/shows/2007/11/30.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  10. "Michio Kaku: Why we don't even rank on the Kardashev scale".Big Think.September 4, 2025.https://bigthink.com/series/the-big-think-interview/michio-kaku-kardashev/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  11. "Michio Kaku wants to solve Einstein's unfinished equation".Big Think.August 1, 2025.https://bigthink.com/series/full-interview/michio-kaku-quantum/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  12. "CuriosityStream Board".CuriosityStream.https://curiositystream.com/board.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  13. "Physicist Michio Kaku to investigate specifics on time travel at UC".The Daily Beacon.December 21, 2025.https://utdailybeacon.com/77332/news/physicist-michio-kaku-to-investigate-specifics-on-time-travel-at-uc/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  14. "From string theory to quantum supremacy with Michio Kaku".KPCW.October 23, 2025.https://www.kpcw.org/show/cool-science-radio/2025-10-23/csr-10-23-from-string-theory-to-quantum-supremacy-with-michio-kaku.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  15. "Presidential Speaker Series features Dr. Michio Kaku, April 2".Illinois State University News.February 2026.https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2026/02/presidential-speaker-series-features-dr-michio-kaku-april-2/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  16. "Physicist Dr. Michio Kaku captivates student audience".The Statesman.March 27, 2014.http://www.sbstatesman.com/2014/03/27/physicist-dr-michio-kaku-captivates-student-audience/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  17. "Nuclear Threats and the New World Order".Ratical.org.http://www.ratical.org/radiation/inetSeries/NthrtsNnwo.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  18. "How old is 3I/ATLAS? Renowned physicist speculates".NewsNation.November 8, 2025.https://www.newsnationnow.com/space/3i-atlas-mystery-michio-kaku/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  19. "AI Deepfakes Target Physicists to Push Claim That Comet Is an Alien Spacecraft".PCMag.October 29, 2025.https://www.pcmag.com/news/ai-deepfakes-targets-physicists-to-push-claim-that-comet-is-an-alien-spacecraft.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  20. "Michio Kaku on Cassini".Animated Software.http://www.animatedsoftware.com/cassini/mk9708so.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  21. "JAL Skyward".Japan Airlines.http://www.jal.co.jp/en/inflight/skyward/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  22. "Samuel Johnson Prize — Previous Shortlists".The Samuel Johnson Prize.https://web.archive.org/web/20120313055848/http://www.thesamueljohnsonprize.co.uk/pages/content/index.asp?PageID=81.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  23. "Michio Kaku profile".The Wall Street Journal.https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703580904574638230276797924.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  24. "Michio Kaku: Why we don't even rank on the Kardashev scale".Big Think.September 4, 2025.https://bigthink.com/series/the-big-think-interview/michio-kaku-kardashev/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  25. "Presidential Speaker Series features Dr. Michio Kaku, April 2".Illinois State University News.February 2026.https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2026/02/presidential-speaker-series-features-dr-michio-kaku-april-2/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  26. "AI Deepfakes Target Physicists to Push Claim That Comet Is an Alien Spacecraft".PCMag.October 29, 2025.https://www.pcmag.com/news/ai-deepfakes-targets-physicists-to-push-claim-that-comet-is-an-alien-spacecraft.Retrieved 2026-02-23.