Arek'Jaalan: Project Electric Sheep

Introduction

Many researchers postulate Sleeper civilization included "infomorphic entities." Although the nature of such entities has not been conclusively established, we tentatively envision them as previously human organisms which transferred brain functions to artificial media. Current cloning technology makes use of such media to move a totality of brain functions between clones, which can be considered an application of infomorphism. However, such transfers appear to leverage artificial media for only relatively brief periods.

We therefore propose to study sustained infomorphism.

In this context, "sustained" shall mean brain functions persist on artificial media, without degradation, for arbitrary periods of time. We mean to explore both passive and active infomorphism. Passive infomorphism shall encompass the storage, transfer, and replication of brain functions as static files. Active infomorphism shall encompass conscious interaction with environmental objects, both virtual and real.

Many risks preclude human subjects, and so we propose to use livestock - in this case, the durable high plains Athran Karakul. They're just so fluffy. While such animals may not exhibit the same cognitive functioning as humans (though this is arguable...), the highly adaptable creatures do process information, and their behavior can be compared with a base state. As research advances, progressively more capable organisms may become desirable infomorphic platforms.

Experiment Overview

Because we wish to compare subjects before and after infomorphic translation to ensure degradation does not occur between episodes, flash scans that destroy the central nervous system are not helpful. Moreover, they're just so fluffy.

Consequently, we shall instead infuse the target central nervous systems with nanite markers. These will measure biochemical activity, transmitting data along neural weaves to nodes communicating with external sensors. Modeling software will store data recovered from these sensors. A second nanite family will be programmed to read marker information, and to use such data to reconstruct nervous systems through gel matrix pastes, synthetic synapses, and cloned organic material.

In this way, we will realize mind transfer between clones of Athran Karakul without harm to the original animals. With a basic demonstration in place, it then becomes possible to explore applications such as multiple conscious instances of the same animal; and, extended states of infomorphism, both active and passive. Finally, aggressive techniques might explore adaptation of an animal's central nervous system to control of advanced robotics.

Research Aims

For static infomorphism, there will be no modeled neural interaction. Static infomorphic data will be subjected to transfer and duplication to establish the robustness of organisms moving between infomorphic and organic states; and, to establish multiple organic instances of identical brain function. Successful static infomorphism requires that, upon being "written back" to an organic nervous system, each instance of the organism express voluntary and involuntary responses within accepted deviations from behavior observed prior to infomorphic translation.

By demonstrating static infomorphism, we will show how an infomorphic entity could "survive" in an spore-like state as long as its storage remained undamaged.

In contrast, active infomorphs (and capsuleers) depend upon an industrial apparatus that is significantly more complex than "just" storage for their "immortality." Furthermore, active infomorphs and capsuleers are more vulnerable to environmental threats, such as mutation and infection, as well as the oppressive boredom of passing centuries. Of course, static infomorphs are vulnerable to the destruction or degradation their media. However, less complex constructs present fewer failure points than more complex ones, and static infomorphism would represent an attractive way to "sleep" away thousands of years.

For active infomorphism, software modeling will simulate brain functions. Success requires cognitive functioning at levels within acceptable deviations from the original mind. Furthermore, the karakul must not develop psychological illness while in an infomorphic state, such as depression, paranoia, or psychosis (at least to the extent animal psychology can identify such conditions; at the very least, organic brain functions can be compared on an electrochemical level). When "written back" to an organic nervous system, the active infomorph must exhibit complete involuntary process recovery, and must exhibit cognitive functions consistent with its prior state plus learning gained while infomorphic. Active infomorphs should also demonstrate the ability to adapt brain functions to variations in biological and artificial host structures.

If active infomorphs maintain brain function without degradation or illness, many applications arise - including agelessness, advanced industrial control, and recovery from catastrophic injury or disease.

Methodology

Establish livestock cohorts in a controlled planetary environment.

Develop non-destructive nanite-based neural scanning mechanism.

Develop modeling applications to store nanite scan data.

Develop reconstructor nanites to constitute stored neural data in organic matrix.

Develop organic matrix of biopaste and sythentic synapses to reconstruct nervous system.

Data Assessment

Train cohorts to respond to distinguishable stimuli.

Scan karakul central nervous systems using nanite markers.

Store scanned nervous systems on diverse media.

Clone original animals with substitute matrix-based nervous systems.

Apply neural reconstructors to substitute matrix.

Test clone responsiveness against previously trained stimuli.

Observe and document animal physiology and psychology.

Some Relevant Materials

Gel-Matrix Biopaste (Oxides, Biocells, Superconductors)
Oxides (Oxidizing Compound, Oxygen)
Oxidizing Compound (Reactive Gas)
Superconductors (Plasmoids, Water)
Biocells (Biofuels, Precious Metals)

Synthetic Synapses (Supertensile Plastics, Test Cultures)
Supertensile Plastics (Oxygen, Biomass)
Test Cultures (Bacteria, Water)

Biotech Research Reports (Nanites, Livestock, Construction Blocks)
Nanites (Bacteria, Reactive Metal)
Livestock (Proteins, Biofuels)
Construction Blocks (Reactive Metals, Toxic Metals)

Hazmat Detection Systems(Polytextiles, Viral Agent, Transmitter)
Polytextiles (Biofuels, Industrial Fibers)
Viral Agent (Bacteria, Biomass)
Transmitter (Plasmoids, Chiral Structures)

Nano Factories (Industrial Explosives, Ukomi Superconductors)
Industrial Explosives (Fertilizer, Polytextiles)
Ukomi Superconductors (Synthetic Oil, Superconductors)

Wetware Mainframes (Supercomputers, Biotech Research Reports, Cryoprotectant Solution)
Supercomputers (Water-Cooled CPU, Coolant, Consumer Electronics)
Biotech Research Reports (see above)
Cyroprotectant Solution (Fertilizer, Test Cultures, Synthetic Oil)

Time Frame

Because of the need to monitor behavior of animal cohorts for extended periods to ascertain impact of infomorphic translation, research will necessarily stretch months or years into the foreseeable future.

Current Status

Several planetary colonies are now producing relevant materials. Over a dozen nano factories (to produce necessary marker and re-constructor nanites) have been developed, as has a parallel array of 28 wetware mainframes (to store infomorphic data and perform neural modeling). Roughly a hundred biotechnical research reports detailing characteristics of initial cohort responsiveness to nanite marker have been generated.

We are in the process of amassing more livestock, increasing reserves of biopaste and synthetic synapses, and fabricating precautionary hazardous material detectors.

No infomorphic translations have yet been attempted.