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             The transition from I-function to neuronal signals is an interesting one. The condition experienced by Christopher Reeves is now more logical in my mind. I am continually amazed at the fragile detail our body relies upon to communicate signals. The gated channels that our body employs seem so purpose-specific, it is astounding how far evolution brought us.

            Could you migrate the I-function? If the I-function is a discrete box, and may be malleable (as in the case of Christopher Reeves), could you alter its boundaries through methods other than injury? How could we remove certain input? If the action potentials are conducted along the axons through the opening and closing of ion channels, I wonder if it would be possible to intentionally “shut down” the battery. Maybe we could neutralize the potential difference across the membrane, or prevent the temporary reversal that occurs during depolarization. What if we shut down the Na+/K+ pump? If the signal could not be conducted, it would be like removing a part of the input. This may be how anesthetics work…? I might look into this for my next web paper.

            Also, check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-pc_M2qI74. It’s about the mirror test for self awareness that we were talking about on Tuesday. Pretty interesting!