Neurotech

- Biological storage of information

- Immediate education

## Summary

Neurotech is a relatively new technology that has swept across Carna, affecting even the political climate of the planet. The basic concept that sets neurotech apart from pre-existing cybernetic technology is the way it interfaces directly with the human brain. It relies primarily on the way neurons store memories, translating it into useable computer data and then back again. This does not only allow for the uploading of episodic memory (memories of events) and semantic memory (memories of facts and information), but also procedural memory (memories of how to carry out specific skills, ie. muscle memory). Using this tool, learned skills themselves can be downloaded from one person and uploaded into another.

Other uses of this technology have arisen which overlap with cybernetics, for example, the ability to control complex technology with only the mind. Up until this point, any cybernetic limb has used localised nerve stimulation (activation of the nerves connected to the limb itself) to trigger movement or other functions. However, by introducing neurotech to cybernetics, the limb can be linked to the brain directly allowing the cybernetic to mimic typical motor functions much more closely to its flesh counterparts. The movements are smoother and more natural as there is an allowance for functions such as anticipation that help make non-cybernetic limbs move as they do. This advanced cybernetic technology is only accessible to a lucky minority who can afford the luxury price attached to such things. Some have attempted to design systems for such things themselves, but many have not had the skills and experience to do so successfully or without other damage.

This is an example of the many ways neurotech is slowly being integrated into other aspects of daily life, however, progress is limited due to the sheer complexity of the brain. With so much untapped potential, it is unknown at the moment just how many uses it could serve in the future.

## Wider Social Implications

Neurotech was first released to the public in 3054, but had most likely been in use an unknown number of years beforehand as a much more volatile and dangerous process. The initial release to the public was done due to information about the technology being leaked from the Campbell military databases (Pre-Union) and thus a warning was issued to the public about the use of a new and dangerous technology that had the potential to fall into the hands of cyber criminals. There was extensive coverage of this on every form of media, many with the slogans along the lines of *"Your Home cannot be safe until your Mind is. Report Illegal Neurotech."* and *"Protect your past, ensure your future. Be wary of Cyber Crime"* . With this came a mass hysteria across Carna about this technology and a call was made to the governing bodies of each district to do something. After a year of negotiations and political action, the representatives of each District Military came together to declare that what was needed to deal with this rising threat was a strong and unified military force that could protect all of Carna regardless of district. In 3055, the General Council was created from these representatives and has expanded since. This council took a majority of governing power from the Founding Families and centralised it. The Founding Families were still authorised to run small scale local politics, but major decisions about the laws and policies of Carna must be passed by the General Council.