Intelligence Enhancement using Viral Vectors

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of using viral vectors to enhance intelligence, as described in the books "Wired" and "Amped." These viral vectors are engineered to alter genes in cells, potentially allowing individuals to access heightened cognitive abilities akin to an autistic savant, but without associated social disabilities. The method involves ingesting a pill containing the virus, which targets the brain for a temporary enhancement period. However, significant side effects include extreme energy depletion and sociopathic tendencies during the enhancement, raising questions about the feasibility and ethical implications of such enhancements.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of viral vectors and their applications in gene therapy
  • Knowledge of cognitive enhancement techniques, specifically nootropics
  • Familiarity with the biological implications of energy metabolism in the brain
  • Awareness of ethical considerations in genetic modification and enhancement
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of gene therapy and its current applications
  • Explore the effects and mechanisms of nootropics on cognitive function
  • Investigate the biological processes of energy consumption in the brain
  • Examine ethical frameworks surrounding genetic enhancements and their societal impacts
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for biologists, neuroscientists, ethicists, and anyone interested in the implications of genetic engineering and cognitive enhancement technologies.

Desh
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I am starting this thread to discuss the ideas mentioned in 2 book I recently read called Wired and Amped. These books are based around what happened after a very gifted biologist used viral vectors, which are viruses bred and created to insert, fix, or alter genes in cells for a controlled amount of time.

These are used to basically rewire a person's brain so they are able to much more fully access their brain power and memory, somewhat like an autistic savant, but in a way that is much more focused without most of the social disabilities associated with it. It does this to an extent where your iq would probably be in the thousands but is immeasurable because of it. It also says you would have complete control of your body at a cellular level, to the point where you could change your vitals to make your heart stop to fake death and then restart it on command, or to be able to redirect your body's cell's to heal wounds faster.

This happens by inserting a certain amount of the virus, about enough to last an hour, into a pill which is swallowed and dissolved in the stomach, where the viruses head directly for the brain.

It also talks about how at this level of activity the brain uses so much energy it completely saps you of energy and glucose so you have to eat copius amounts of fatty snack foods such as muffins to make up for it. Along with this side effect the person is also supposed to be turned into something like a sociopath during their hour long enhanced state, where they are completely free from any emotional or ethical baggage to the point where they will due anything to achieve their goals as long as it doesn't affect their normal selves, including killing someone in their way.

What I want to know is rather this might be possible in any way and whether these side effects would really happen, along with whether if the energy sapping side effect could be stopped by having fat cells consumed as energy. Any thoughts?
 
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Conscious control of cellular activity? Sorry but this is just pure science fiction and this forum doesn't exist to speculate so wildly.

If you want to talk about real biology that is vaguely similar I suggest you read up on gene therapy and nootropics. If you have specific questions about these once you have done some research feel free to start a thread.
 

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