New research on asexual organisms?

MasterPTGMasterPTG Join Date: 2006-11-30 Member: 58780Members
edited October 2007 in NS2 General Discussion
<div class="IPBDescription">Or, how the reserach could fit into NS2 lore/backstory</div>I just read an article on asexual reproduction here: <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21259508/" target="_blank">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21259508/</a>

It basically said that asexual organisms (normally bacteria, viruses or unicellular organisms) normally have only X amount of genes but different gene groups can independently mutate to form different versions of themselves (and thereby the organisms themselves) depending on the circumstances. Taken to an extreme, this could help out the story for NS2.

I think adding this fact to the story of the Kharaa would explain most of what it is. The Kharaa could become an intelligent race that "Instead of holding one genetic form, (Kharaa) is capable of mutating the genes themselves (potentially all of them) to achieve the desired form." I think this would explain the egg'ing significantly better than just a simple "caterpillar to butterfly explanation." Although I think this was sort of implied, I don't think it was specifically addressed in any scientific manner for NS.

And since NS is basically science fiction, I thought that I'd bring it up. :x.

ps, I need a mod to fix my typo of 'research' on the main page...I don't think I can do it.

Comments

  • AlignAlign Remain Calm Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 5216Forum Moderators, Constellation
    It's pretty much assumed that everyone knows that bacteria can mutate when they read the backstory.
  • DominingDomining Join Date: 2007-09-27 Member: 62452Members
    What you probably aren't aware of is that bacteria and nanites are extremely similar, I believe that this should be emphasized as much as possible in order to give the story that underlying meaning. As we move into the nano age, we can be seen as regressing into the cellular stage, only WE are the ones making em and not the "hive". I like the idea of cells AND nanites rearranging themselves and their structures to fit specific purposes within a piece of equipment or a life form. This should be definitely emphasized in the story and the following steps should be taken in order to emphasize the similarity between nanites and bacteria.

    This is only slightly off topic but I like this idea anyway:
    One of the things which always bothered me about NS was how marines managed to reload their weapons so slowly after so much practice. They don't feel elite when I can probably do a better job than they can, especially considering how their LMGs are loaded from the side. I'd love for the marines to be able to reload their LMGs in <u>1 second flat</u> following 2 fluid steps:
    1) Hit the release and tilt the gun to the side chucking the empty clip
    2) Smacking the clip in and pulling the bolt back on the receiver with the thumb in one smooth motion.

    Now you're probably thinking, reloading LMGs in one second? That'd be no fun at all and would kill the aspect of ammo conservation.

    BUT, after you're done reloading, a circular count down timer appears on top of your hud (its a <u>3 segment circle</u>) <u>it takes 1.33 seconds</u> to complete a segment. So if you've done the math that <u>would total to 5 seconds</u>. *GASP*

    So what does this circle stand for? Its there to denote the military nanites rearranging their structures in order to turn into either nanosteel (bullet), nanoaluminum (casing), a gunpowder like explosive substance and the percussion cap.

    - What does this have to do with this thread?
    Nanites aren't that far off from organic single celled organisms, they were based on them and retain similar functions. Nanites still have to figure out ways to arrange themselves in a structure using a form of a dna, process fuel and perform the required duties. So you see, not all Natural Selection points one way.
  • AegyAegy Join Date: 2004-09-21 Member: 31844Members, Constellation
    Interesting stuff.
  • killkrazykillkrazy Join Date: 2007-09-10 Member: 62238Members
    What you probably aren't aware of (domining) is that not everyone swallows you bull which always seems to back-up ridiculous ideas you come up with to suit your oh-so-elite style of gameplay (and real-life since you can reload a fictional (or closest non-fictional counterpart) weapon faster than any other human being) without ever backing it up or atleast trying to explain yourself...

    <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lii1mrsT6D4" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lii1mrsT6D4</a> wow someone who has trained extensively can reload an assault rifle in 2.6 seconds... without bulky space-suits on, without a restrictive helmet, without gloves.


    --
    The similarities between nanites (nano-millimetre sized robots) and bacteria end at their size.

    Robots are designed to carry out specific tasks, for nanites reproducing is a necessary side-effect...
    Bacteria are designed to reproduce (just as every living organism) and anything else (survival... mutation... adaptation) is a side-effect.

    Bacteria are not miniature animals with thought patterns... they are biological machines for reproducing and mutate frenetically because of the unstable nature of asexual reproduction, any function they might perform would need serious thought behind how the function is assisting their only goal (to reproduce).
  • BraveheartBraveheart Join Date: 2007-08-31 Member: 62106Members
    I am doing Biology right now, i already knew all that.
  • DominingDomining Join Date: 2007-09-27 Member: 62452Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1657144:date=Oct 22 2007, 12:18 PM:name=killkrazy)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(killkrazy @ Oct 22 2007, 12:18 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1657144"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->What you probably aren't aware of (domining) is that not everyone swallows you bull which always seems to back-up ridiculous ideas you come up with to suit your oh-so-elite style of gameplay (and real-life since you can reload a fictional (or closest non-fictional counterpart) weapon faster than any other human being) without ever backing it up or atleast trying to explain yourself...<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    <img src="http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k23/sothisis_love/TourettesGuy.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
    Only rational conclusion I could come up with, you have Tourettes.
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