From the department of Real Life Imitating Mad Science: a research team has implanted an off switch into some mice.
What a splendid tool for controlling mammals:
a built-in off switch that can selectively shut down the animals’ serotonin-producing cells, which make up a brain network controlling breathing, temperature regulation, and mood.
How long before we see a horror story using this as a plot device? A dystopia, for example, where the state controlss citizens via implanted off switches. Or a murderer who controls victims after implanting these himself.
(photo via jurvetson)
The X-Files explored this territory, with Skinner infected by a lethal virus that could be controlled remotely. It was the virus that could be turned on and off, but when activated would turn the human off in short order.
Posted by: Dethe Elza | August 01, 2011 at 13:53