Thu 9 Feb 2006
I have been ‘memed’…and by my little sister! She (mis)quotes what I once said would be a vast improvement in the human skull. She lists what would be other improvements and insists others do the same. I comply with my thoughts below.
My ideas for human improvement deal with the ability to remove the risk of sinus infections and ear infections while keeping all the abilities they provide. To wit:
Remove inner ear. Replace with solid state tuning fork system. Benefit, transferable parts, no ear infections, improved hearing. Cons include lack of balance control. Thus…
Fill sinus with elasto-polymer or metallic fill. Encase in said elasto-polymer a gyroscopic balance device to compensate for the loss of the inner ear.
Benefit includes the ending of sinus infections and the inability to get dizzy.
I tag Jason and Gillian but don’ t worry too much about it.
Your sister’s entry suggests improvements on the human body, not just the skull. What am I being tagged on?
according to my human anatomy textbook you would sound like mighty mouse if you replaced “sinus with elasto-polymer or metallic fill” as you suggest:
So… good luck with that.
*Van de Graff, K. (2005) Human Anatomy. Boston, McGraw-Hill.
As posted on my blog and shouted out to your sis’s original post, here’s my two cents on the whole human red-design thing:
Proof that Intelligent Design is bunk: any divine engineer worth his/her/its all-seeing salt would know better than to route a sewage line through a recreational area. Solution: seeing as I quite enjoy the recreational aspects just the way they are, thank you very much, I vote for diverting urinary activity through the navel. Perhaps a retractable, innie/outie combination — I’m sure there are myriad medical supply companies that would compete for the contract — would allow for flexible disposal, and prevent unwanted dribbling of excees materials into the hairy region just south of the belly button.
Look forward to improved functionality of the pubic parts, lower rates of unpleasant surprises from partners, and fewer infections for our female contestants (boys & girls, please wash yourselves before going anywhere near it).
Potential drawbacks: intense abuse of urinary tubing by drunk college guys and schoolboys, and jihads in countries where women are prohibited for religious reasons from standing up in the bathroom.
Thanks Jason. That was hilarious. This should be the geneticists top priority.