Celebrity Club

 

Vertebrane

 

VERTEBRANE - ENTER THE MATRIX

"Vertebrane" is the term for a speculative brain-computer interface technology first proposed by Marshall Brain in the book Manna. The technology consists of a computer system packaged as a replacement for one of the upper cervical vertebra in the human spine.

        The Vertebrane system taps into all sensory and motor nerve bundles flowing to and from the brain. Vertebrane allows for augmented reality or a complete disconnection of the brain from the biological body and subsequent electronic reconnection to a virtual body typically inhabiting a virtual world. It would be the "ultimate videogame controller." 

        Everything you enjoy about the real world and your real body it will be possible to duplicate exactly in the virtual environment. It will also be possible to improve everything you enjoy, and make virtually (pun intended) anything that was once impossible, possible for you.

        The Vertebrane system itself would consist of a diminutive, yet extremely powerful nanocomputer. Power would come from a small onboard fuel cell that uses blood glucose to generate electricity. The system would be installed by a robotic surgeon which would sever the spinal cord and reroute it into the Vertebrane. All sensory nerve pathways (optic, auditory etc.) would be tapped into the system. In pass-through mode, the Vertebrane would act as if it was not there, and you would be able to function completely normally. In "game" mode, the vertebrane would disconnect your brain from your body and reconnect it to your virtual avatar. The avatar would have all of the approximately 640 muscles as your real body, and your brain would control them all in the exact same manner it controls your biological muscles. The avatar would have virtual senses to replace all of your natural senses. This would create a completely immersive experience, and when in use, you would live inside a virtual reality every bit as real as the "real" world itself.

        Interestingly, your avatar's body and senses will actually be better than your natural senses in many ways. For example, your virtual eyes will have the same resolution, however there will be no distortion from a imperfect biological lenses, you will never have to blink, your eyes will never dry out, or cloud up. Your muscles will be perfect - never tiring or overheating - unless you adjust the settings so they do. Your virtual body will be superhuman, perfect, and beautiful. The virtual worlds you visit will out-do "reality" in every way, and they will be every bit as real to your brain.

"The in-game world will match your in-game body. It will surpass reality. Imagine, for example, looking at a grassy field in a game. As you walk onto the field it will be perfect. Each blade of grass will be perfectly formed. It will have no weeds. You will be able, if you choose, to take your clothes off and roll in this perfect grass. It will feel just like grass, smell like grass, bounce like grass, taste like grass. But this is a simulated world, so if you want it one inch thicker or a slightly different shade of green, the change is instant. Change the breed of the grass, the moisture content, the soil underneath it, even add weeds if you want. To your brain the grass will be completely real because the grass's sensations are flowing directly through the brain's natural sensory nerve channels.

The same will be true of every in-game environment you experience. Run through a forest. Ski down a mountain. Stroll through a complete re-creation of Paris. Walk on the moon. Swim along a perfectly simulated coral reef.

But in addition, you will be able to do things that your physical body cannot possibly do now. Fly through the air like superman. Ride a magic carpet. Get shot at the OK Corral and then respawn to do it again." - Marshall Brain

 With Vertebrane, you will be able to visit any simulated location instantly - even imaginary worlds. You will also have the option of visiting different times as well as different places. You will be able to fly, be present at any historical moment, be wealthy without limit, be as beautiful as you want, die and be reborn, eat anything you like in any quantity, or just sit on a tropical beach and sunbathe - all without ever leaving home! In short, you can be anyone and do anything you like. You are absolute omnipotence in your own simulated paradise where even logic can be infinitely manipulated!  You can choose to have these experiences with your friends and family, or with artificial people, or simply alone.

The Day You Discard Your Body: 

         Given the choice of being in your real body vs. your avatar, you will choose your avatar every time. Therefore, your biological body will become redundant and irrelevant. It will become possible to discard your body and have only your brain housed in a Brain Storage Facility, connected to a vertebrane-type computer. Here, along with thousands of other brains, your brain will be encased in a protective, liquid-filled life-support system chamber. This will eliminate all of the risks that come along with having a body. It will also greatly increase longevity by keeping the environmental conditions perpetually at ideal levels, and removing almost all risk factors of your previous life. Brain Storage Facilities will be maximum security, reinforced buildings, impervious to earthquakes, hurricanes, bombs, etc.