Interfacing Neuroscience with Superheroes, Zombies, Cyborgs and Droids: Earth 262: Project Unity
Presenter Type
UNO Undergraduate Student
Major/Field of Study
Mathematics
Other
Mathematics, Psychology
Advisor Information
Dr. Erik Garcia, ejgarcia@unomaha.edu
Location
CEC RM #201/205/209
Presentation Type
Poster
Poster Size
48x36
Start Date
22-3-2024 2:30 PM
End Date
22-3-2024 3:45 PM
Abstract
The final assignment for the course I took during J-Term called Superheroes, Zombies, Cyborgs, and Droids was to use neuroscience to create a super character and explain their story. My story revolved around twin superhumans named Viscera and Ardor, created through “Project Unity,” an initiative devised by an international society of scientists on Earth 262 to unite their post-apocalyptic world. After The Final War, the newly self-named Starstruck desired more power and convinced Viscera to help her take control. When Viscera planned to defy Starstruck due to her abuse of power, they were exiled to Earth 2764. The neuroscience researchers of the lab Viscera crashed behind felt compelled to help and engineered a nanobot to amplify their powers; these included mass telepathic communication and physical synchronization, made possible through a biological equivalent to a Brain Computer Interface, intensive group bonding through release of the “love hormone,” a.k.a. oxytocin, and morally obligated courage, a phenomenon occurring in groups so bonded that they become one entity. Viscera and the citizens of Earth 2764 joined forces and became an entity named “The Beholden,” meaning to owe a debt of gratitude or be duty-bound. As a student, this project was a good reminder of the innovative ways that fiction and science can be combined for creative purposes; I enjoyed the challenge of creating a fictional world through the application of neuroscientific principles. For future students: this course is what you make of it: seek understanding, ask questions, and try your best!
Interfacing Neuroscience with Superheroes, Zombies, Cyborgs and Droids: Earth 262: Project Unity
CEC RM #201/205/209
The final assignment for the course I took during J-Term called Superheroes, Zombies, Cyborgs, and Droids was to use neuroscience to create a super character and explain their story. My story revolved around twin superhumans named Viscera and Ardor, created through “Project Unity,” an initiative devised by an international society of scientists on Earth 262 to unite their post-apocalyptic world. After The Final War, the newly self-named Starstruck desired more power and convinced Viscera to help her take control. When Viscera planned to defy Starstruck due to her abuse of power, they were exiled to Earth 2764. The neuroscience researchers of the lab Viscera crashed behind felt compelled to help and engineered a nanobot to amplify their powers; these included mass telepathic communication and physical synchronization, made possible through a biological equivalent to a Brain Computer Interface, intensive group bonding through release of the “love hormone,” a.k.a. oxytocin, and morally obligated courage, a phenomenon occurring in groups so bonded that they become one entity. Viscera and the citizens of Earth 2764 joined forces and became an entity named “The Beholden,” meaning to owe a debt of gratitude or be duty-bound. As a student, this project was a good reminder of the innovative ways that fiction and science can be combined for creative purposes; I enjoyed the challenge of creating a fictional world through the application of neuroscientific principles. For future students: this course is what you make of it: seek understanding, ask questions, and try your best!
Additional Information (Optional)
Dr. Erik Garcia Superheroes and Neuroscience Course