In article <2o6n5i$7ne at telerama.lm.com>, klb at telerama.lm.com (K. B.) wrote:
> I am currently writing a novel that conserns the development of
> telepathic abilities in humans.
> One element of the story has to do with the discovery of gene that is
> linked to the development of these abilities in growth stages of pre and
> post natel humans. and then the gene stops having an effect on people.
> Here comes the question: In the story I wish someone to discover that
> the gene is still active is some way (I have written it as an influence
> in the regeneration of the receptors in the brain that are connected with
> telepathy) and one of the main characters finds that using a "blocker"
> can give telepaths the ability to hide from one another for a period of
> time by doing something that interferes with this gene. (Not permanent)
> How would a "blocker" of this type work? Would it work? How long
> might it last? Any ideas?
> I appreciate your help and quick answers (deadlines)!
> THANKS!!!!!!
> --
> K. B. PITTSBURGH, PA USA
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After an indepth lab meeting :) we've come up with five ways to do what you
want. These all assume that a chemical or protein is being released by one
nerve cell and picked up by a receptor in another nerve cell.
1) Probably the easiest way to "block" would be a drug (possibily an
analog) that would bind to the recptor and competively inhibit the "Psi"
chemical or gene product.
2) Another method would be a chemical, protein or toxin that is absorbed
by the cell releasing the "Psi" neurotransmitter that would prevent the
release of the neurotransmitter. It might also be interesting to explore
overexcitation of excitor nerve. Tetanus and Botulinum toxins work by
these means.
3) One could alter the permeability of the receptor cell to prevent
absorption of the neurotransmitter, if the neurotransmitter was freely
diffusably across the cell membrane.
4) You could also generate antibodies (in a horse or rabbit) that would
bind the neurotransmitter and prevent it from binding to its intended
receptor.
5) Finally, one very imaginative person in our lab suggested that if
somone was telekinetic they could physically alter the conformation of the
neurotransmitter. An altered conformation would not be able to binded to
the intended receptor.
Let us know how it turns out.
Paul Lepp
lepppaul at studentL.msu.edu
