Science Fiction
Dictionary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
 |
Soldiers Trained To Obey Odors With Scent Delivery Device
This is almost too weird (a phrase you will read only rarely on this site). USC researchers have devised a personal device that could be worn by soldiers that would receive wireless orders to deliver particular odors. In training, soldiers would be made to associate specific actions with particular odors. From the patent application:
An exemplary base for the scent delivery system according to the present invention ... is in the form of a necklace and includes cartridge slots... Scent cartridges are fitted into the ... slots... Preferably the base includes a communication board... the base includes a battery for powering the various electrical components and the scent cartridges... the base can be manufactured or molded of various lightweight materials...
(From Scent Delivery Service patent application [pdf])
It is pointed out in the application that scents are processed first in the emotional brain - orders given by scent might then be processed and obeyed immediately, without ratiocination.
This scent delivery device would also be used extensively in virtual training environments.
In his 1972 novel Hellstrom's Hive, Frank Herbert wrote about a group of people like the Amish or the Shakers who voluntarily withdrew from the rest of society in the nineteenth century. This group, however, modeled their new society on insect hives - each member of the group has been modified in utero or with specific hormones to have the characteristics needed for their jobs.
Just as with insects, scent is extremely important to all members of society. Normalcy and calm within the "hive" can be ascertained by group members simply by smelling the air around them. For example, when there is discord and danger in the hive, fearful members give off enough scent that everyone else soon knows what is happening. Here's an excerpt:
From the Hive Manual. Chemical releasers that can evoke a predetermined response from the individual of any animal species must be very numerous and may be infinite witin the refined nuances of variation. The so-called rational mind of consciousness in the human animal presents no insurmountable obstacle to such a releasing process, but may be considered only as a threshold to be overcome. And once consciousness has been sufficiently depressed, the releaser is freed to do its work. Here, in this area once considered the exclusive domain of instinct, we of the Hive are sure to develop our greatest unifying forces.
I can't resist tossing in links to some of my other scent-related favorites, like Frank Herber's Odalarm - the scent-based alarm clock and Kaori Web - Ray Bradbury's Odorophonics comes to a PC near you; both of these are real devices. Read more about soldiers who obey odors.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 1/15/2006)
Follow this kind of news @Technovelgy.| Email | RSS | Blog It | Stumble | del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit |
Would
you like to contribute a story tip?
It's easy:
Get the URL of the story, and the related sf author, and add
it here.
Comment/Join discussion ( 5 )
Related News Stories - (" Warfare ")
'Warrior Suit' Combat Exoskeleton Project Still Alive
'Suited up, you look like a big steel gorilla.'
Sea Drones Attack Russian Fleet
'...autofreighters, and other self-piloting craft.' - Ray Naylor, 2022.
Slaughterbot AI KIller Quadcopter Drones
'The real border was defended by... a swarm of quasi-independent aerostats.' - Neal Stephenson, 1995.
Russia Working On Military Exoskeletons
'...you look like a big steel gorilla...' - Robert Heinlein, 1959.
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Invention Timeline, or see what's New.
Science Fiction
Timeline
1600-1899
1900-1939
1940's 1950's
1960's 1970's
1980's 1990's
2000's 2010's
Current News
Jetson ONE Air Races Begin, Can Air Polo Be Far Behind?
'If you're one of those rarities who haven't attended a rocket-polo "carnage", let me tell you it's a colorful affair.'
Will Space Stations Have Large Interior Spaces Again?
'They filed clumsily into the battleroom, like children in a swimming pool for the first time, clinging to the handholds along the side.'
Mornine Sales Robot
'Robot-salesmen were everywhere, gesturing...'
Bipedal Robot Floats Gently While Walking
'a walking balloon proceeded with long strides of its aluminum legs...'
Musk Idea Of Cars Talking To Each Other Predicted 70 Years Ago
'My cars talk to one another.'
Elegant Bivouac Shelter Produces Water And Electricity
'There was nowhere on the planet where science and technology could not provide one with a comfortable home...'
X-Control Janus-1 A Suitcase Aircraft
'You will notice that it... fits the suitcase nicely.'
'AI Assistants' Are Actually Less Reliable For News
'Most men updated their PIP on New Year's Day...'
YES!! Remote Teleoperated Robots predicted by Technovelgy!
'...a misshapen, many-tentacled thing about twice the size of a man.'
Will Robots Ever Fold Landry?
Where have you gone, Mrs. Robinson?
Will AIs Give Better Results If You're Rude To Them?
'I said, "Listen up, motherf*cker.'
Cybertruck Robotic Arm F10 Drone Launch!
Drone away!
Black Fungus Blocks Radiation
'You were surrounded by Astrophage most of the time'
Liuzhi Process Now In Use In China
'He was in a high-ceilinged windowless cell with walls of glittering white porcelain.'
Reflect Orbital Offers 'Sunlight on Demand' And Light Pollution
'I don't have to tell you about the seven two-mile-diameter orbital mirrors...'
Will Robots Become Family Caregivers?
'The robant and the tiny old woman entered the control room slowly...'
