Marvel University Is Now in Session

So many of Marvel's classic comics were inspired by real-world science and technology. In Marvel's new three-part video series, Marvel University, host John Urschel talks to experts to dig deeper into the scientific inspirations behind your favorite characters and stories. Urschel, a former player for the NFL who is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in mathematics at MIT, is a long-time Marvel fan with an equally passionate drive for knowledge.

In the first episode, Urschel goes into the inspiration for Ant-Man -- ants! With an assist from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, we learn about the strength, skills, and talents of this tiny force of nature. We may not want ants at our picnics, but they are smart, organized, and can carry up to 100 times their weight! Watch the video above to find out more about what inspired the powers of Ant-Man!

After that, check out the second installment of Marvel University below, inspired by The Wasp! Learn about the real life connections — and differences — between ants and wasps, what exactly a wasps wings are made of, and much more!