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Mailing List Logs for ShadowRN

Message no. 1
From: Logan Graves <logan1@*****.INTERCOM.NET>
Subject: Backwards Sugar molecules, et al. Was: Re: Shadowrun Fashion
Date: Sat, 6 Jun 1998 13:00:47 -0400
In our last episode, Wraith wrote:
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mike Buckalew <mike_buckalew@*********.COM>
>
> >> Anyway to bring this one back OT? Heh..how about how common is body
> >> sculpting (sp?) in 205x.
> >
> >I would say quite common. As an alternate form of weight control, what
> >about advancements on the artificial foodstuffs we're starting to see now.
> >Things like "Olean" and this new backwards sugar molecule.
> >

They actually make those today. In fact, whenever they make artificial
enzymes & protein molecules 50% or *half* of them are what we'd call
"backwards." Nearly all of the critters on Earth today have bodies
which require "right-hand molecules." They don't "fit" together with
our bodies' digestive processes. Sort of like trying to
(unsuccessfully) shake hands using your wrong hand. But I digress...

And these backwards molecules are easy to sort out too. All one needs
to do is release (normal) bacterium into the 50/50 mix of synthesized
sugar molecules & wait for them to reduce the mass by half. 'Cause they
won't (be able to) eat the backwards molecules, either.

The trouble is SIDE EFFECTS. Many of these substances are little better
than 'organic plastics' & since the body can't correctly process them,
they'll often tend to hang around for a great while longer than
desired.
Or take Olestra (tm, SP, etc.), that giant anti-fat molecule thingie.
It has the particularly annoying habit of keeping one in close proximity
to one's loo, as it absorbs Vitamine A & D away from one's system on
it's way through one's intestinal tract.

I'd say "follow the money." If synthetic proteins are cheaper in the
2050's, then you can bet yer twinkies that the AAA Corps'll be adding
them to their Nutri-Soy products, instead of the real thing. 'Cause
they won't care a devil rat's hoop about this particular "focus group."


> Future of food? Genetically engineered food that eliminates the stuff
> people don't want? Personally I can't stand some of the food trends going
> around...I looked in the pantry the other day and actually found NO-SALT
> SALTINES. Blew my mind.

Heh. We have those here too.
Guess that makes them just 'Tines or maybe 'Ines. ;-)
Kinda defeats the whole purpose, I'd say.

--Fenris
_______________________________________________logan1@*****.intercom.net
(>) Is it in the "mysterious employer credo" that
these little rendezvous always have to be in
exotic locales? I mean, just *once* wouldn't
you like to sit down at a Denny's and plan an
assassination over a 'French Slam' breakfast?
(>) --Deadpool, merc-with-a-mouth

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