Genestick
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Genestick |
General classification for any of various compact genetic analysis and
engineering devices. Most widely employed by citizens of the Zoeific
Biopolity, but also commonly seen in Pan-Sophontist
and bioist enclaves as well as in the toolkits of hobbyists everywhere.
A basic genestick consists of a compact cylindrical housing about 10cm
long and usually no more then a centimeter in diameter at its widest
point. One end of the unit contains an array of microscale sampling
units designed to extract cellular samples in a variety of ways,
including skin scrapings, blood and fluid extraction, tissue
micro-cores, and even air and soil intake. The central core of the
genestick contains a complex of micro and nanoscale laboratory spaces
and an array of devices able to both analyze and manipulate matter down
to the molecular level. Finally, the opposite end of the unit
incorporates a cubic centimeter of fast nanocomputronium, a similar
quantity of memory substrate, nanoflywheel power cells, and a
combination RF/optical wireless link.
Most models are rechargeable, self-sterilizing, and incorporate a small
clipping mechanism to allow the device to be readily attached to
clothing.
Genesticks can use their internal laboratory and computational
resources to control gene expression, perform rapid chemical and
genetic analysis (most DNA samples can be completely sequenced in under
a minute), carry out genetic redesign and reconstruction, and (usually
in the more advanced models) support basic neogenic design and DNA
assembly. The onboard software suite usually includes a genetic
database of several hundred thousand lifeforms, genetic analysis,
modelling, and design programs, and a complete virtual environment
designed to interface with the users onboard DNI systems and allow them
to 'directly' observe and manipulate genetic material, in a 'hands on'
manner.
In the event that the unit’s onboard library and processor
systems are insufficient for the task at hand, wireless linkages can be
established to external data and computing resources either carried by
the user or available through local planetary, system, and Known Net
connections.
Basic genestick units are typically designed to make changes to a
single fertilized egg or reproductive cell, either extracted by the
genestick or synthesized and then re-implanted into a host organism or
artificial womb or growth medium. More advanced or ‘professional
grade’ units also contain a small detachable reservoir of
self-replicating 'delivery modules' usually of microbial or viral size,
that can be loaded with newly created or redesigned genetic templates
for injection into an external environment or organism. Once
introduced the modules replicate throughout the target, enter each of
its cells and alter their genetic coding and/or gene expression
mechanisms to produce the desired change or changes. Templates for
additional reservoirs or delivery modules are readily available and can
be used by most public or home nanoforges. More advanced genestick
models may occasionally incorporate a compact, limited-function
nanoforge to synthesize new delivery modules directly.
Genesticks may be referred to by a number of colloquial or brand names
including such well knowns as 'lifestick', 'god rod', and
Lifewriter(TM). While originally created to manipulate biological
materials, over time similar devices have been developed for the
purpose of altering cybernetic, synano, and
virtual/AI based lifeforms.
