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Biological augmentation: Difference between revisions
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{{ | {{Status|Canon}} | ||
Several species and civilizations, including [[Forerunner]]s, [[human]]s, and [[San'Shyuum]], have implemented various biochemical, surgical and cybernetic means to enhance the physical and cognitive abilities of biological individuals. | Several species and civilizations, including [[Forerunner]]s, [[human]]s, and [[San'Shyuum]], have implemented various biochemical, surgical and cybernetic means to enhance the physical and cognitive abilities of biological individuals. | ||
==Forerunner== | ==Forerunner== | ||
[[File:Forerunner forms.png|thumb|250px|The Forerunners' [[Forerunner mutation|mutations]] substantially altered their base physiology to better suit various roles]] | [[File:Forerunner forms.png|thumb|250px|The Forerunners' [[Forerunner mutation|mutations]] substantially altered their base physiology to better suit various roles]] | ||
The [[Forerunner]]s used artificially-induced [[Forerunner mutation|mutations]] consisting of a combination of genetic | The [[Forerunner]]s used artificially-induced [[Forerunner mutation|mutations]] consisting of a combination of directed genetic modification, gene therapy and biochemical manipulation to custom-tailor an individual's body to a [[form]] considered suited for their social standing and field of work in a [[rate]].<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/forerunners '''Halo Waypoint - Universe''': ''Forerunners'']</ref> While many of the changes were ostensibly cosmetic and made for cultural reasons, others were designed to enhance a Forerunner's abilities. Many of the enhancements were to the neurological and cognitive abilities of the individual,<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 261''</ref> although at least the [[Warrior-Servant]]s' mutations also made them physically stronger and more robust.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 279''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 86''</ref> | ||
==Human== | ==Human== | ||
Since the dawn of widespread spaceflight, [[human]]s have sought to use biochemical, surgical and cybernetic means to augment their bodies. While [[civilian]] applications for such technologies do exist, their obvious military advantages quickly saw them harnessed for the purposes of warfare. Basic performance-enhancing technologies have been commonplace among human militaries for centuries; however, extensive experimentation pushing the limits of the human body has historically been limited due to ethical concerns. A notable exception to this are the biochemical and cybernetic augmentations used in the [[SPARTAN programs]], which represent the peak of human biological and cybernetic enhancement.<ref name="enc44">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 44''</ref> | Since the dawn of widespread spaceflight, [[human]]s have sought to use biochemical, surgical and cybernetic means to augment their bodies. While [[civilian]] applications for such technologies do exist, their obvious military advantages quickly saw them harnessed for the purposes of warfare. Basic performance-enhancing technologies have been commonplace among human militaries for centuries; however, extensive experimentation pushing the limits of the human body has historically been limited due to ethical concerns. A notable exception to this are the biochemical and cybernetic augmentations used in the [[SPARTAN programs]], which represent the peak of human biological and cybernetic enhancement.<ref name="enc44">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 44''</ref> | ||
===Early efforts=== | ===Early efforts=== | ||
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===ORION=== | ===ORION=== | ||
{{Main|ORION Project}} | {{Main|ORION Project}} | ||
The first major effort to create biochemically-augmented supersoldiers was known as [[Project ORION]]. The beginnings of the program can be traced back to [[2321]], when the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] began to build upon bioengineering protocols developed during the Interplanetary Wars. However, after five military candidates were selected and tested, the project was declared ineffective and the candidates were returned to their respective chains of command.{{Ref/Reuse|enc44}} Within a year, all candidates would die of unknown causes. The project was secretly relaunched by the [[Colonial Military | The first major effort to create biochemically-augmented supersoldiers was known as [[Project ORION]]. The beginnings of the program can be traced back to [[2321]], when the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] began to build upon bioengineering protocols developed during the Interplanetary Wars. However, after five military candidates were selected and tested, the project was declared ineffective and the candidates were returned to their respective chains of command.{{Ref/Reuse|enc44}} Within a year, all candidates would die of unknown causes. The project was secretly relaunched by the [[Colonial Military Authority]] well over a century later in [[2491]], with the recruitment of 65 adult test subjects; hundreds more were added after the first batch completed their training. The ORION augmentations included enhancements to muscle density, lung capacity, vision, hearing and balance.<ref>'''[[Media:ILB Cochlear tuning.ogg|cochlear_tuning Axon]]'''</ref> While the ORION operatives were highly successful, the project on the whole was deemed a failure due to many factors, among the most prominent being the high "washout" rate of the augmentations as well as the limited effectiveness of the enhancements themselves.<ref name="journal">'''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]'''</ref> Former ORION project member [[Avery Johnson]] remembers the experience as being agonizing filled with confusing, hormone-inducing rages.{{Ref/Novel|SiSto|Chapter=4}} | ||
===SPARTAN-II=== | ===SPARTAN-II=== | ||
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{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Other examples | ==San'Shyuum== | ||
The [[San'Shyuum]] in the [[Covenant]] used genetic enhancement techniques to augment a number of San'Shyuum into elite supersoldiers known as [[Prelate]]s. The Prelates' augmentations allowed them to overcome the San'Shyuum's natural frailty caused by generations of inbreeding and granted them strength, speed and reaction times sufficient to best even [[Sangheili]] in combat. However, the Prelates could operate at their physical peak for only limited periods of time, with the sustained use of the enhancements bringing with it a variety of dangerous side effects.<ref>'''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]'''</ref> | |||
==Other examples== | |||
While easily overshadowed by the Spartans' extensive augmentation, medical, biochemical and technological conveniences do nonetheless have a pervasive presence in various areas of human society. | While easily overshadowed by the Spartans' extensive augmentation, medical, biochemical and technological conveniences do nonetheless have a pervasive presence in various areas of human society. | ||
UNSC personnel are equipped with [[neural interface|neural implants]], more sophisticated [[Command neural interface|models]] of which—typically issued to ship captains—enable a human mind to interface with computer systems and receive or send information. Advanced [[artificial limb|mechanical prosthetics]] have also been developed, although such technology is used solely for the purpose of replacing lost limbs rather than supplanting existing ones for any possible advantages they may have over biological limbs.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 81''</ref> Further medical advances have been made in areas not directly related to physical performance but nonetheless improving humans' quality of life. By the 22nd century, [[cancer]] had been virtually eradicated from the human genome, with any isolated cases that do occur being easy to treat.<ref name="midlothian">'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''',''"[[Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian]]"''</ref> | UNSC personnel are equipped with [[neural interface|neural implants]], more sophisticated [[Command neural interface|models]] of which—typically issued to ship captains—enable a human mind to interface with computer systems and receive or send information. Advanced [[artificial limb|mechanical prosthetics]] have also been developed, although such technology is used solely for the purpose of replacing lost limbs rather than supplanting existing ones for any possible advantages they may have over biological limbs.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 81''</ref> Further medical advances have been made in areas not directly related to physical performance but nonetheless improving humans' quality of life. By the 22nd century, [[cancer]] had been virtually eradicated from the human genome, with any isolated cases that do occur being easy to treat.<ref name="midlothian">'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''',''"[[Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian]]"''</ref> | ||
As a crude replication of the technologies used to forge the Spartans, human [[Insurrectionist]]s use "[[ | Sangheili have drugs that are used not only for healing, but also for memory improvement and for dealing with anxiety.<ref name="anvil">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/anvil-s-legacy-preview '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Anvil's Legacy Preview'']</ref> It is common to find all of these varieties of medications in temples built for [[kaidon]]s, which traditionally have been visited by them prior to planning a military campaign. | ||
As an idiosyncrasy of their warrior culture, the Sangheili view the notion of doctors as dishonorable.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 143''</ref> However, as injuries are an inevitable byproduct of combat, the Covenant military still employs a number of medical amenities. Among these are [[automated surgery suite]]s, featured on Covenant ships to treat wounds received in combat,<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 259''</ref> and [[magnetic splint]]s which are used to hold broken bones in place. | |||
Covenant strikecraft [[pilot]]s connect to their flight systems using direct [[neural interface]]s, which employ very minimal safety cutouts or filters. The pilot's body is rendered immobile to prevent self-injury and agony is inflicted in exchange for superior control of the ship. The [[Sangheili]] enter battle-meditation before completing the machine link protocols to control the pain, while [[Jiralhanae]] pilots embrace the interface burn to trigger their own focus.{{Ref/Reuse|WFSeraph}} | |||
During his service within the [[Covenant]], [[Jega 'Rdomnai]] was a member of the [[Silent Shadow]], a unit within the Covenant's [[Special Operations]] branch. During one of his missions, he lost his left arm and left mandibles. 'Rdomnai had the two replaced with prostheses, despite robotic replacements being antithetical to Covenant tradition and principles. The injuries also gave 'Rdomnai a lust for battle and vengeance, both of which completely outweighed his own pride in his own Sangheili culture.{{Ref/Site|Id=ign|URL=https://www.ign.com/articles/halo-infinite-campaign-get-to-know-jega-spartan-killer-ign-first?utm_source=twitter|Site=IGN|Page=Halo Infinite Campaign: Get to Know Jega, a ‘Spartan Killer’ – IGN First|D=9|M=11|Y=2021}} | |||
As a crude replication of the technologies used to forge the Spartans, human [[Insurrectionist]]s use "[[Rumbledrug]]s" which degenerate the user's body but grant them superhuman abilities for a short time, potentially giving them a fighting chance against Spartans.{{Ref/Reuse|midlothian}} | |||
Following the Human-Covenant War any sufficiently wealthy private party could replicate the effects of the Spartan augmentations. However, cheaper and more invasive augmentations with unknown medical drawbacks and psychological costs were considered more viable given the high cost and amount of effort required to create actual Spartans.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-armory-amore 1/22/2016: Armory Amore]</ref> | Following the Human-Covenant War any sufficiently wealthy private party could replicate the effects of the Spartan augmentations. However, cheaper and more invasive augmentations with unknown medical drawbacks and psychological costs were considered more viable given the high cost and amount of effort required to create actual Spartans.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-armory-amore 1/22/2016: Armory Amore]</ref> | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
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File:TemTem.png|[[Prelate]] [[Tem'Bhetek]], an augmented San'Shyuum | File:TemTem.png|[[Prelate]] [[Tem'Bhetek]], an augmented San'Shyuum | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
== See also== | == See also== | ||
* [[Rumbledrug]] | * [[Rumbledrug]] | ||
* [[Drugs]] | * [[Drugs]] | ||
* [[Spartan]] | * [[Spartan]] | ||
* [[Powered exoskeleton]] | |||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
{{Ref/Sources}} | {{Ref/Sources}} | ||
{{SpartanPrograms}} | {{SpartanPrograms}} | ||
[[Category:Medicine]] | [[Category:Medicine]] | ||
[[Category:Drugs]] | [[Category:Drugs]] | ||
[[Category:Spartans]] | [[Category:Spartans]] | ||