An unknown group of scientists have apparently created nano-machines capable of healing damaged human cells at exponential rates, a discovery that may have an incredible impact on the capabilities of ordinary human beings.
According to a one-page classified document left anonymously at The New York Exponent office on the morning of June 20, 2007, mechanical cells (code-named 'anthrocytes') have been created by an unnamed American research laboratory.
"From the document, it appears these mechanical cells are being injected into human test subjects,' says Jeffrey Flagler, a professor of bioengineering at the University of California at Berkeley. "These anthrocytes destroy injured cells and replace them with healed cells—possibly even mechanical cells. And while this healing occurs almost instantaneously, it also compromises the fundamental building blocks of our DNA. This is potentially very dangerous stuff."
The fact that these anthrocytes have been discovered by a laboratory that appears to be working in secret is especially alarming.
"These scientists, whoever they are, are using human beings as lab rats," says Steven Caldwell, Chairman and Founder of The Center for Ethical Bionics. "What happens if these bionic experiments backfire? What if the cells begin replicating themselves, replacing cells at a rate that begins to negate the human soul?"
Caldwell urges anyone with information regarding this document to contact The Center, or the United States Central Intelligence Agency.
"It is possible that these anthrocytes could be used to heal people past the point of no return," says Flagler. "The creation of soulless humanoid fighting machines is a distinct—and terrifying—proposition."
When Jackson Washburn received a high score of 98 on a web-based Bionic Assessment Test, he thought he'd share the good news.
"I mean, a 98 is really good," said Washburn, age 17. 'I was stoked. I figured it was just a game on the Internet. I put my score up on my blog; I told some friends on MySpace. And that's when I started getting contacted by this bizarre scientist."
Bionic Assessment Tests first appeared on the Internet in 2006, and for the most part, they feature a series of five challenges. Memory strength, mathematical skills, audio ability and speed are tested, as well as the ability to follow directions.
"It's supposed to prove how bionic you are," said Washburn. "Like if my body was partially replaced with these high-tech, super-mechanical parts—like a robotic eye, or crazy fast legs—would I have the ability to use these powers to full capacity? In my case, the answer was yes."
Unfortunately, Washburn's high score brought unwanted attention. Approximately three weeks after displaying his results online, he received an anonymous phone call from a man claiming to be a research scientist.
"He said he was calling from California. He wouldn't tell me his name, but he wanted me to fly out to meet him," said Washburn. "They wanted to do more tests. He made it sound like I could become some kind of bionic superhero."
Jackson's mother, Elizabeth Washburn, wants to warn other parents about the dangers of these Bionic Assessment Tests.
"It sounds to me like they're recruiting kids for bionic experimentation," she said. "I don't know who these people are, but there was no way I was letting Jackson go to California for some secret research mission."
When asked whether he ever considered submitting to further bionic tests, Washburn was unsure.
"Running 80 miles an hour?" said Washburn. "How awesome would that be?"
When you think hybrid, chances are you think car—environmentally friendly, low emissions and great gas mileage.
But what about a hybrid human?
Half human. Half machine. If it sounds like science fiction, just consider that the hybrid car once seemed like a pipe dream too. And the truth is, scientists are rapidly closing in on the day when human elements can be combined with high-tech machinery.
Just imagine. Human DNA combined with nano-machines.
At first, the possibilities sound incredible. With bionic legs, a man once confined to a wheelchair now has the ability to run a marathon. A woman who lost her hearing can now listen to a pin drop from 50 yards away. And a child hurt in a car accident can be saved—thanks to microscopic machines capable of rapid healing.
Yet, what happens if the experiment grows out of control? These hybrid humans, armed with superhuman capabilities, may no longer possess emotions or a moral conscious. They may no longer possess a soul. The possibility of bionic creatures with superhuman fighting capabilities is absolutely chilling.
What happens when a human being stops being human?
The answer may not be so environmentally friendly.
Jane Doe #1 was critically injured in a car accident.
Jane Doe #2 was found unconscious with blunt force trauma to the head.
Jane Doe #3 was pronounced dead at the scene, a victim of apparent drowning.
The injuries were different. And yet, what eventually happened to these women was identical—and freakishly bizarre.
"In each case, the ambulance was hijacked on the way to the hospital," says Angela Parkers, an officer with the Los Angeles City Police. "These were critically ill patients, each with life-threatening injuries. And none of them made it to the ER."
All three ambulance drivers reported swerving after seeing a man step into the road.
"He was wearing dark clothing, so it was really hard to see him," said Joseph Beatty, an EMT who assisted Jane Doe #2. "I just hit the brakes. And that's when these men—maybe 5 of them—opened the doors and started hauling everybody out."
None of the patients have been recovered. And according to some in the medical community, these kidnappings are part of a widespread trend.
"It's time to face facts," said Taryn McCarthy, Chief Ethicist at The Center for Ethical Bionics. "It's clear that seriously ill patients are being stolen. And we know why they are being taken—to act as guinea pigs in unethical bionic research laboratories."
Rumors of human experimentation, particularly in subjects who are too ill or injured to protest the dangers of bionic testing, have been uncovered in recent years.
"Bionic research is happening, and it should be happening out in the open where it can be regulated," said McCarthy. "But the truth is, labs are operating in secret. Kidnapping these unidentified patients against their will, to turn them into bionic creatures with unknown powers...it's simply unforgivable."
As for area hospitals, they plan on taking extra precautions to protect their injured patients.
"No more stops," said Beatty. "Next time someone steps into the road, I'm not braking."
