Video Game Neurology: Deus Ex: Human Revolution

    There is a curious contraption occupying the space between our ears. This space with several pounds of gray matter provides an incredible degree of plasticity, takes into account the full range of personalities, emotions and thoughts, but all this in a limited physical space. When studying neurology, it is difficult to get past the beauty and effectiveness of the human brain. But what are the limits of the biological substrate, like the brain, and how can we expand our capabilities with its help?

    The desperate search for an improvement in our natural biology, ironically, is the inevitable result of our own biology. In addition, the idea that billions of years of evolution lie in a mechanism can cause confusion for those of us who are used to the idea of ​​continuous technological improvement and development, for example, how our current model of the universe evolved to cope with the foundations of the Ancient World. There is an urgent question: “Where (and what is it) Human Brain 2.0?” This question is revealed in some potentially prophetic fantasy games, such as Deus Ex: Human Revolution, in which neurology meets synthetic improvements in a fascinating and terrifying way.

    image



    Implant revolution

    HR focuses on the consequences of artificial improvement. Those who can afford it enjoy improved speed, strength, cognitive and sensory functions. Sufficiently principled or simply poor people who cannot afford implants find themselves in a serious shortcoming, and as a natural consequence of this discrepancy, a struggle begins between them and the "privileged" transhumanists, and the corporations that improved them. For the story, the path you choose is crucial; it will significantly affect the ending. But to what extent are HR features based on reality, not just science fiction?

    The Minus of Implants: A Story About Neuroposin

    In the world of HR, the fictitious drug neuroposin, a medicinal ointment needed by people with implants so that their weak human bodies do not tear away mechanical parts. Without neuroposin, an “glial tissue buildup” develops around the implant, which promotes regeneration, and ultimately leads to rejection (Darrow syndrome in the Deus Ex universe). This leads the person with implants to addiction to the drug, which gives huge control to the powerful pharmaceutical company VersaLife, as well as general social chaos, since the general population refuses to depend on neuroposin just to maintain control over their own bodies.

    Eidos Montreal is commendable for integrating some of the real aspects of neuroscience into its narratives. So, let's see what they did right. Your nervous system can be divided into what we call the “Central” (brain and spinal cord) and “peripheral” (other parts of the body) nervous system. Glial cells are often perceived as assistants to the peripheral and central nervous systems, because they support the functions of neurons and nerve cells. In the central nervous system, “glial tissue” does exist, in a sense; a process known as “glial scars” occurs after neurological injuries. After damage, types of glial cells known as astrocytes respond to shape changes and occupy an area near the site of damage, releasing molecules. which suppress the undergrowth and leads to the formation of glial scars. The presence of these astrocytes, as well as the molecules that they release, prevent axon propagation from damage sites and the re-formation of functional parts. This is one of the main obstacles in the rehabilitation of spinal cord injuries; axons (processes of neurons that provide communication with other cells) from neurons below the site of damage, which will first try to propagate and reconnect with neurons on the other side, but will be blocked by a scar. We already have several pharmacological agents for suppressing and treating glial scars: olomucin, which reduces the number of astrocytes and can contribute to the regeneration of axons, ribavirin, which reduces the number of active astrocytes and rolipram, which leads to the growth of axons.

    image

    Astrocytes: helpers or scarring little bastards?

    However, there is one problem with the interpretation of biology in Deus Ex. If glial scars occur after neurological injuries to stop the resumption of growth, then why do people restore motor skills and sensations after nerve damage in the limbs, fingers, and so on? This is because in the peripheral nervous system, glial tissues are slightly different, namely the types of glial cells that help after an injury and allow axons to re-grow and construct functional connections. So, regarding the brain and spinal cord: there are no astrocytes, there is no “glial tissue buildup", neuroposin is not necessary, no problems. This means that peripheral improvements (see the figure below) will be in order without the drug.

    image
    Peripheral enhancements are circled in red.

    With regard to enhancements that are attached directly to the central nervous system, glial scars either should not be a problem for them, or they will not be a problem as long as they are integrated into existing neural networks. All gaps in neural circuits can be overcome by implants.

    image
    Improvements in the central nervous system are circled in dark blue, light blue color improvements that cannot directly connect to the brain or spinal cord, but are dependent on other improvements.

    As for the rejection of these devices by the immune system, our immune system aims to maintain the well-being of organic, biological parts that are not present in synthetic implants. The only remaining immunology goals are the “living nerve cells” in the HR version of the PEDOT electrodes, but these cells and their compounds can be protected from the immune system using a capture system that is already used by scientists today. By the way, PEDOT electrodes, minus the living nerve cells in them, currently exist, and their composition can make them useful for implantation in humans. Finally, all problems of the immune system can be avoided altogether with the help of embryonic stem cells, or even removed stem cells from oneself to create neurons in the PEDOT electrode in HR. Thus,

    image

    Science in games is constantly reaching new heights, it is necessary and appreciated, perfectly accurate game is limited in its freedom to create a new and exciting fictional world. With scientific accuracy, it is necessary to find a balance between realism and fantasy in order to create an ideal, but this is not always an achievable goal, especially if history has such a high priority. To justify the presence of neurosofin in HR, designer Maria DeMarle said: “The concept of neurosofin in the game helps us exacerbate social divisions in the game ... but it was also important for a number of other reasons related to the story. Firstly, it gave us the opportunity to clearly illustrate the uniqueness of Adam. Secondly, this is due to a side quest in the game. And thirdly, it allowed us to make some interesting weaves with DX1 and a certain pharmaceutical company, controlled by members of the Illuminati ... ". The scriptwriters took care of scientific accuracy, they consulted with Will Rossellini, founder of MicroTransponder Inc. and a postgraduate student of neurology, who spoke about his role: “When I volunteered to be a scientific consultant in 2008, I said:” Let's imagine where today's research can lead us in 20 years ... a lot of science is interconnected with the plot and this is explained in the game ". Maria DeMarle confirmed the importance of Rossellini’s scientific contribution: “Perhaps this will ultimately open our eyes to what we didn’t even dream of.” "Let's imagine where today's research can lead us in 20 years ... there is a lot in which science is interconnected with the plot and this is explained in the game." Maria DeMarle confirmed the importance of Rossellini’s scientific contribution: “Perhaps this will ultimately open our eyes to what we didn’t even dream of.” "Let's imagine where today's research can lead us in 20 years ... there is a lot in which science is interconnected with the plot and this is explained in the game." Maria DeMarle confirmed the importance of Rossellini’s scientific contribution: “Perhaps this will ultimately open our eyes to what we didn’t even dream of.”

    Although I like the way that Eidos Montreal went for the real integration of neurology in its history, I completely agree that in order to create the type of fictional world you can imagine, you sometimes need to compromise in order to maintain a convincing narrative. In general, I hope that we will support this trend of science in games, since the combination of realism and science fiction enhances the feeling of immersion, both in the present and fictional worlds in which we find ourselves.

    source
    Suggestions for improving the translation leave in the comments, thanks.

    Also popular now: