999 OCTILLION SOULS, May 22, 2024
I FLIGHT
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TRANSLATOR'S NOTE:The following information is derived from Information Seed 40 and received by the Gravitational Wave Observatory. I and AI performed a frequency analysis on it. IE edited certain parts to make them more 'readable'. (He might have overdone it.) Please feel free to comment.17
EXCERPT FROM ECHOES OF THE SWARMS
The inhabitants of the Great Swarms faced a set of health challenges. Here, in the cradle of recycled air and controlled environments, the ills of the natural world were largely absent. However, threats emerged, borne of the technology that sustained them.
Ionizing radiation, a constant threat from the unfiltered cosmos beyond the Dyson swarms, posed a significant risk. This type of radiation, which includes high-energy particles like protons, alpha particles, and gamma rays, can penetrate living tissues and cause severe damage at the cellular and DNA levels. Over time, exposure to ionizing radiation leads to increased risks of cancer, genetic mutations, and other health issues.
doc_T: another infodump
cap_mal: but interesting
Shielding technology was paramount, woven into the Swarms' habitats. These shields comprised multi-layered materials, including heavy metals like lead and advanced composites designed to absorb and deflect high-energy particles. The effectiveness of these shields was measured in terms of their ability to reduce radiation exposure, achieving reductions of up to 90% or more, depending on the design and materials used.
de_tech_G: this is turning into a lecture
cap_mal: I’m taking notes
Regular blood tests and genetic monitoring allowed for early detection of radiation-induced mutations. Genetic monitoring involved sophisticated techniques, including whole-genome sequencing and advanced bioinformatics analysis, to identify mutations that lead to serious health conditions. Giants with XNA and Thohnuths were immune to mutations. Hobbits, dwarves, vampires, and other humanoids boasted cellular, self-healing mechanisms.
us_gwo: again with the vampires. what’s next?
translator: werewolves
Corrective gene therapies had become a cornerstone of medical care within the Dyson swarms. These therapies utilized gene-editing tools to repair or replace damaged DNA sequences. The success rate of these treatments was remarkably high, showing effectiveness rates of over 95% for correcting genetic mutations.
astro_raj: is anyone here a doctor? is this credible?
doc_T: I’m not that kind of doctor
malek_I_am: I am a medical doctor but not a gene therapy specialist. looks OK to me. I can ask my colleagues.
Living in low-gravity environments had a detrimental effect on physiology. In the absence of Earth's gravitational pull, bones experienced a reduction in mechanical loading, leading to accelerated bone density loss, a condition known as spaceflight osteopenia. Bone loss was a constant battle.
cosmos_boss: and that’s why most humans will stay on Earth
Studies showed that astronauts lost up to 1-2% of their bone mass each month while in microgravity, in weight-bearing bones like the spine, pelvis, and legs. This rate of bone loss was higher than the annual bone density loss of 1-1.5% seen in postmenopausal women on Earth. If left unchecked, this could increase the risk of fractures and other skeletal issues.
luo_ji: postmenopausal? why is that relevant?
IE: maybe the historian is postmenopausal
Rigorous exercise regimes were mandatory, utilizing specialized equipment that mimicked Earth's gravity. These exercise programs were designed to counteract the effects of reduced gravitational forces. Specialized equipment, like advanced resistance exercise devices (ARED) and treadmills with harness systems, were used to simulate the effects of Earth's gravity. The ARED, for instance, allowed users to perform strength training exercises with adjustable resistance.
cap_mal: ARED sounds familiar
Advanced bio-supplements further bolstered bone health. These supplements included a combination of calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients known to support bone density. Calcium supplements were provided at doses of 1,000-1,200 mg per day, while vitamin D was administered at levels of 800-1,000 IU daily to ensure optimal absorption and utilization of calcium. Bisphosphonates, a class of drugs used to treat osteoporosis, were administered to reduce bone resorption and maintain bone mass. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans were performed regularly to measure bone mineral density and track changes over time.
malek_I_am: I’m not sure the doses are correct. maybe they’re typos
Perhaps the most insidious threat came not from a physical ailment, but from the psychological toll of living within a closed ecosystem. The lack of natural environmental stimuli and the monotony of a controlled, artificial setting compounded feelings of isolation and confinement. Without the natural variations in light, sound, and scenery people on Earth experience, the inhabitants faced mental health challenges. Depression, a product of isolation and the ever-present hum of recycled air was a common affliction. Studies indicated that rates of depression could be as high as 30%, higher than the planetside average of around 4.4%.
ru_mikhail: three in ten!
otavio_br: pretty high and we’re talking about octillions
Light therapy, mimicking natural sunlight cycles, was a first line of defense. Light therapy involved the use of lamps that emitted bright, full-spectrum light, mimicking natural sunlight. These lamps were used to regulate circadian rhythms, the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, which became disrupted in the absence of natural daylight. The therapy sessions lasted for about 30 minutes to an hour each day, with exposure to light intensities of around 10,000 lux. Research had shown that light therapy reduced symptoms of depression by up to 50% in individuals.
cap_mal: more lamps. got it
In more severe cases, advanced VR programs offered immersive experiences of nature, a temporary escape from the artificial confines. These VR programs recreated serene natural environments, like forests, beaches, and mountains, with high-fidelity visuals and sounds. Users interacted with these environments, engaging in hiking, swimming, or sitting by a stream.
hatmaker_H: we can’t do this yet
builder_7: just a matter of time
The effectiveness of VR therapy was supported by studies showing that exposure to virtual nature environments decreased levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, by up to 30%. VR sessions of 20-30 minutes, conducted several times a week, improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety by up to 40%.