Fascinating research, Doctor !

oleg · #1 April 29th, 2003, 08:53 PM

While reading my favorite bedtime magazine, I found a fascinating article. Here is the title and
abstract.
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J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. 1999;37(6):793-9.

The history of poisoning in the future: lessons from Star Trek.

Chyka PA, Banner W Jr.

Southern Poison Center, University of Tennessee, Memphis 38163, USA. pchyka@utmem.edu

BACKGROUND: The Arts are replete with examples of presaged events of the future. Since a unique glimpse of the 23rd century is afforded by the television series Star Trek, a survey of the toxin-related events as chronicled by the crew of the USS Starship Enterprise may provide insight to prepare toxicologists for the future. METHODS: An investigation of the logs of the Enterprise was undertaken for the years 2266 to 2269 which were part of its first 5-year mission. Internet sites, published databases, and selected recorded episodes from the original Star Trek television series were searched for poisonings or toxin-related incidents. RESULTS: Out of the 79 Star Trek episodes, 28 (35%) involved toxin-related incidents. A total of 31 poisoning incidents were documented with 13 environmental, 9 intentional, 5 unintentional, and 4 homicidal circumstances. Biotoxins (10 incidents) were the most frequently involved toxin followed by neurotoxins (9), radiation (3), cytotoxins (3), temporal toxins (3), acids (2), and phytotoxins (1). Of these cases, 2 involved hazardous materials incidents, 1 was contamination of food, and 3 involved therapeutic misadventures. CONCLUSIONS: Many of the circumstances encountered in poisonings of the future will likely be similar to contemporary reasons, but the nature of the toxins will differ. Clinical toxicologists should prepare for the future by increasing their study of molecular biology, comparative medicine, physics, and history.

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I think it is a prime candidate to IgNobel prize

Gwaihir · #2 April 30th, 2003, 01:56 AM

Wow, what a find! I sure hope that is a joke . . . . I'm gonna be all nervous next time I call the poison control center. Although I trust my friend there. They assigned a special person to me after the 132nd time I took ant poison. Its just that the little buggers keep crawling on the food at picnics, and you never know if you might have missed one . . .

Slick · #3 April 30th, 2003, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gwaihir:
Wow, what a find! I sure hope that is a joke . . . . I'm gonna be all nervous next time I call the poison control center. Although I trust my friend there. They assigned a special person to me after the 132nd time I took ant poison. Its just that the little buggers keep crawling on the food at picnics, and you never know if you might have missed one . . .

LOL!

I nominate this as quote of the day.

Slick.

tbontob · #4 April 30th, 2003, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Slick:

quote:
Originally posted by Gwaihir:
Wow, what a find! I sure hope that is a joke . . . . I'm gonna be all nervous next time I call the poison control center. Although I trust my friend there. They assigned a special person to me after the 132nd time I took ant poison. Its just that the little buggers keep crawling on the food at picnics, and you never know if you might have missed one . . .

LOL!

I nominate this as quote of the day.

Slick.

I second the motion.

narf poit chez BOOM · #5 April 30th, 2003, 04:33 AM

yep. third.

Taera · #6 April 30th, 2003, 08:36 AM

interesting article indeed, like the "alternative thinking" lol

nice quote

Gwaihir · #7 May 1st, 2003, 06:52 AM

Hehe, thanks all. Unfortunately, i can't claim full credit, i was inspired by an actual case - (mighta been one of the Darwin awards) woman calls poison control center, all freaked out about her little daughter having swallowed an ant. Operator calms her down, explains that its not a problem, not to worry, etc. . . finally, woman thanks him, is about to hang up, and mentions the ant poison she fed the girl to kill the ant . . .