#bioengineer

[himmelstudies]

9 November 2022

Cramming session, hope information stays inside my brain and not diffuse back into the surrounding again

[celestial-coordinates]

Viispaa Prime

Origin

Humans have often launched animals into space to examine the effects of vacuum and zero gravity on the eggs and organs of various species, and along those lines, in 2032, a satellite (named DSREB-1112* or “The Enterprise”) containing various species of insect and other samples ranging from egg to tissue to preserved specimens was launched, intended to loop around the moon, then the sun, and back before being studied. However, the propulsion system malfunctioned and misfired, sending the probe into deep space, unable to return; it was deemed a loss and NASA moved on, forgetting it for some time.

*Deep Space Radiation Effects on Biological specimens

Unbeknownst to them, an advanced race of beings known as the Kuana came across the pod when it exited the solar system. They took a fascination with the objects inside and returned to their corner of the galaxy where they began to work on the samples, breaking down the genomes and studying the life present on the curious little rock they'd been monitoring since the planet unfroze itself [thousands of years ago by earth time]. Among the samples, they were very fond of the angry, flying needles and determined them to be worthy of the status as a core genome sample.

Wasps became the majority focus of the gene manipulation and they incorporated aspects of their own DNA, as well as pieces from other samples that were on the satellite, and even certain amounts of bio-enhanced technology to create a sapient race of wasp beings to serve as companions, soldiers and living weapons. Human mental evolution fascinated the Kuana, and with the organ tissues of humans being present from which to derive the genome they sought, they made sure to give their wasp beings most of the emotional capacity found within humans, allowing them rational thought, free will and expression, wrapped in a roughly humanoid shape that would seem familiar. From them, the Kuana gave them advanced light sensitivity and organelles within their eyes that would indicate mood and status with colors, even those in ultraviolet and infrared spectrums that humans cannot detect on their own. Finishing their project off, they enhanced some of the natural aspects of wasps themselves by lacing carbon into their chitin to enhance its strength, giving them advanced mental processes for being able to quickly assess stimuli, boosting their immunity and antibodies to make them disease and toxin resistant, and equipping them with rechargeable stingers in their abdomens.

Biology

Viispaas stand roughly anywhere between 6’7” to 10’3” at full height when standing (add about 6-9” if their legs are stretched to full) and are predominantly male (60% male, 40% female). They have 6 limbs and 2 sets of wings: one set of proper arms with hands tipped with two fingers and a thumb, a vestigial set of arms that are weaker but just as functional, and digitigrade legs tipped with two claw-like toes which are sensitive to vibration and chemical traces. Their wings are able to vibrate fast enough to displace air like a rotor and lift them off the ground, however their flight performance is affected by air density; on earth, most Viispaa can fly above most buildings, ranging from 2-4 stories off the ground, but above 6 stories they expend more energy than is deemed worth the result, as falling from that height from exhaustion can cause injuries.

Female Viispaa rarely pass 8’7”, are thinly built and deemed “speedsters”, equipped with long stingers for swift actions. Male Viispaa are rarely under 7’8”, are broadly built and deemed “tanks”, equipped with smaller stingers but are capable of moving forces up to 5x their mass and can deadlift things 3x heavier than what most humans can generally accomplish. Most Viispaa can live between 90 and 110 years old, close to that of humans.

Both sexes have genitalia reminiscent of humans respective to their biological sex and reproduce in a manner familiar to humans as far as positions are concerned, however Viispaa cannot readily reproduce with humans. Male Viispaa produce soft, fertilized egg-like pods about the size of a goose egg they can insert into a female Viispaa where her muscles carefully tuck the pods into a womb-like part of her abdomen; the pods attach and the second half of the genes are introduced, fertilizing the pods and turning them into proper eggs. The embryos develop in the safety pods for about a month before the female seeks out a safe area to lay her clutch, producing anywhere from 5-15 fist-sized eggs which are expelled through a cloaca near her stinger. Over the course of a month, the eggs hatch into larva and then metamorphose into young Viispaa with features like human preteens. They reach adult size within a year.

When not having sex for breeding, males can release a semen-like fluid at climax instead of insert fertile pods, and females experience pleasure much like human females do. Viispaa male genitals have unique muscles that allow them to adjust within their partner and some more experienced lovers can simulate friction through penile muscles alone, without thrusting or grinding, which works well when paired with a smaller partner.

Humans and Viispaa can have sex with each other, but those unions will be sterile without intervention from Kuana genome technology.

Viispaa bodies are insectoid in appearance with milky blood-like fluid that starts mostly clear in the body and becomes opaque when exposed to air; their muscle tissues are reminiscent of cables and the matte black “skin” on parts of their bodies is rough, not unlike a coarse fabric mesh. While generally very tough creatures, Viispaa skin can still tear and the Kuana developed this mesh-like growth to facilitate quick repairs that stitch together easily. The chitin parts of the Viispaa body appear like polished metal or plastic but are also formed from a kind of pseudo-solid fiber not unlike a non-newtonian liquid developed specifically by the Kuana which is flexible and pleasing to the touch but extremely resistant to impact damage, though generally fairs better against high velocity, small surface area projectiles and angled blades over broad-coverage blunt force. Naturally reinforced with carbon fibers for durability, Viispaa chitin doesn’t restrict their movements or range of motion and protects most of their vulnerable areas from everything short of a long fall or being hit by a semi truck.

This soft armor feature is why Viispaa can create facial expressions without excessive plates.

Viispaa eyes are large and compound and have a visible spectrum that touches both infrared and ultraviolet hues humans cannot see but which they use to communicate with each other at a distance. The Kuana have similar faculties, which is where they derived the trait from, as they communicate in light and color more than sound, thus by watching the colors of the Viispaa’s eyes, they were able to determine their status. Hiding their emotions is difficult, as the color change is prompted by hormones and other chemicals from the brain, thus any change in mood can alter the visible hue of the lens, even if it’s only slightly. The colors appear solid and sparkle as light reflects off of the facets, but when changing it happens rapidly; using slow motion, one can see how individual facets of the eye lens act like pixels, changing color individually and starting at the outside edge before moving inward in a rough spiral, making the transition appear as a swirl in a majority of specimens though bursts (inside to outside) and fades (inner to outer or outer to inner sweeps) have been found as well. Complex feelings can produce interesting chromatic palettes such as gradients, flowing color rotations, and other things but these are usually accompanied by outbursts from the Viispaa due to distress.

UV and IR light patterns are activated by specific modified color changers in the eye lens that add specific layers to their emotional hue; UV flashes can be detected at range and used to communicate messages in a way similar to morse code (Viispaa on earth actually learn morse code to be able to click and blink in a way that can be decoded by human companions) while IR readings only appear in response to high stress and physical damage; IR signatures are uncommon on Viispaa due to their naturally low body temperatures with most hot spots on the body being a result of sunlight and black patterns. The eye lenses showing fields of intense IR activity are a sign the Viispaa has been injured or is in need of immediate assistance, even if they can’t communicate directly otherwise.

Viispaa have eyelids, however not for blinking; the translucent lid is used for high speed flight, rain and closed for sleeping because they cut out light signatures coming in and out so they aren’t distracted but can still see somewhat if they’re awake. It’s the only method of hiding their light signatures but is suspicious on its own so not really effective for that purpose.

Viispaa stingers are mostly retracted into their abdomens with males only leaving the tip exposed while females tend to have several centimeters visible at all times; when needed, Viispaa can contract muscles to unsheathe their stingers fully, which are black, curved and occasionally have rear-facing barbs to make removal much harder if they’re left in the target. A male’s stinger is generally 1-1.5 inches per foot in height while females can be twice to three times as long and are coated in a fluid that numbs the flesh around the stinger so it doesn’t cause pain if it’s ripped out during attack, but also can numb the wound of the target, making the sting undetectable for a certain period and thus likely to cause blood loss or worse injury. Unlike common bees, Viispaa will not die from losing their stingers; they rarely lose them unless they are at full draw when used, allowing them to use their stingers rather indefinitely unless they break off. At this point, there is another stinger stored within the abdomen that slides into place within an hour; at any time, a Viispaa has three stingers, one at the ready and two on standby, and they naturally replenish used stingers within about a month. During that time, they tend to crave things rich in iron, carbon and calcium.

As for diets, Viispaa primarily ingest things rich in sugar and simple carbs, and can also consume roots, vegetables and fruits; they enjoy refined sugars in low amounts but avoid meat-based proteins and other things unless they have cravings, such as healing or recharging. Eggs, dairy and other animal byproducts are only as needed, but Viispaa generally will not eat meat of any kind; they also fair well with salt and sugar licks, as the Kuana often provided enriched mineral supplies to ensure they got what they needed while subsisting off of sugar water and nectar for energy. Breeding periods are often punctuated with increased cravings for minerals and vegetables to help the developing embryos while most of the fluid in the egg pods is sugar-based.

Viispaa have jaws and cheeks with tooth-like plates for consuming solid food, but many opt for juices or other liquids just for sheer ease of ingestion and quick intake into their bodies. The mandibles on their faces are for communication primarily, making clicks and hums they communicate in naturally and also helping in the event of eating solid foods. While they generally hum, buzz and click, they are capable of vocal speech dependent on their environment; high engagement and active teaching produce more eloquent Viispaa, as they’re easily distracted and unlikely to pick up on the nuances of language on their own save for key and common phrases. Females tend to develop speech faster than males but males are better at recognizing body language and expressions.

Uniquely, Viispaa have regenerative abilities as well; as long as they aren’t killed outright, have a steady supply of food, and rest, they can recover from most injuries. Cuts and piercing damage close within hours, broken plates and larger injuries can heal within a month, and while they cannot reattach lost limbs, a removed wing or body part will reform fully in about 6 months depending on resources.

Genome Inclusions

Vespula vulgaris, the common wasp; base genome derived from preserved specimens and eggs stored onboard the satellite

Apis mellifera scutellata, the East African Lowland Honey Bee; behavioral patterns were adapted from studying specimens cloned from preserved subjects, prompting the Kuana to change the lethal nature of bee toxin into a numbing agent in order to preserve the aspects of community and group behavior they found useful for their project; some varieties of Viispaa have recessive aggression and mobbing behavior from strong scutellata genes, however they are rare and typically not sent to make landfall unless the location is hostile

Camponotus consobrinus, the Banded Sugar Ant; a social insect to reinforce their sense of community, ability to work together with a purpose, preference for sweets and sugary substances for food, and the foundation of their strength

Anax strennus, the Giant Hawaian Darner; a member of the largest, fastest group of insects, these egg samples were used to derive the wing blueprint for the Viispaa and allows them to fly in all directions, hover, and reach speeds faster than most land vehicles

Homo sapiens, human beings; organ tissue from donated bodies including a liver, stomach and skin grafts, and blood, heart and brain samples from both a male and female cadaver (recently deceased) sent to study the effects of close exposure to the sun provided sequences for regenerating tissue, the extent of the human immune system, and initiated the fascination with human mental evolution; the human genome is the second blueprint used alongside vespula vulgaris to create the base of the Viispaa

Ambystoma mexicanum, the axolotl; preserved whole and partial specimens which were curiosities to the Kuana but ultimately provided the enhanced regeneration genes that allow the Viispaa to regrow limbs and heal from damage; axolotls are also popular pets for the Kuana because of their silly, simple natures

Externus adstrum sapiens lovecraft, the Latinized name for the Kuana; named for their Eldritch appearance and advanced, almost mystical technology evoking a sense of fascination and fear akin to Lovecraft’s tales, the Kuana are peaceful beings and masters of merging technology with biological components; they derived the light sensitivity, skin-respiration and color-changing eyes from their own genetic sequence, as well as a predisposition for friendly relations and curiosity to override the xenophobic and territorial behaviors found in both the insect and human specimens and orbital observations made over the course of human history

Most other features are created through artificial means (Kuana bio-tech) and other trace sequences taken from other species can be found but they are minimal, usually acting as catalysts or binders to ensure the genome is stable

[emerysnotebook]

Just finished attending my last undergraduate lecture ever at UCLA!  I’ve still got a research paper and a final exam to complete, but then I’m done!  It’s honestly quite an ambiguous feeling, since my last quarter was completely online and I don’t really get an actual commencement yet.  But it’s definitely a big relief to finally be done :)

(Stay tuned to find out whether or not I get into med school eventually...)

[menofcolorinfantasyart]

Bioengineer by John Petersen. Chapter opener for the Predation tabletop RPG.

[drag-tween]

Transgender former menswear model beats bigotry to became female catwalk model

Aria Veach, 29, from Los Angeles, began a brave transition under Hollywood's spotlight in 2014 - despite her family's refusal to accept her identity

SOAPBOX SATURDAY CONTINUES:

(TW: Pre-transition photos)

A former menswear model has found success as on female fashion catwalks after coming out as transgender. Aria Veach, 29, from Los Angeles, began a brave transition under Hollywood's spotlight in 2014. Despite facing transphobia - with even her family struggling to accept her identity - she has gone on to model for including (sic) National Geographic, as well as on the catwalk. Previously known as [redacted], she says she is now happier than ever. Aria, who also works as a bioengineer, said: "Before I had a beard, was engaged to a woman, I was into Muay Thai kickboxing and with my fashion, people said I was very masculine looking, that's how I presented myself. I knew I was curious about my gender for the longest time but could never act on it. I didn't begin cross-dressing until I was out of my home state. I started dressing androgynously on and off, wearing little make-up until my hormones kicked in, my testosterone dropped and physical changes started. In my final shoot as a man, I needed to remove my shirt, but by then my upper body had changed and breasts had started to grow. Then I knew there wasn't any reason to wear men's clothing anymore, and I was too uncomfortable doing it. Now I'm happier as Aria and I think you can get a smile out of me much easier than you ever could have as [redacted]. I now live a double-life working full-time as a bioengineer and hustling for modelling and acting opportunities in Hollywood..."

[himmelstudies]

15 August 2023

I'm back. Today marks the first day of my last academic year as an undergraduate student. I had a 3 hour long lecture in the morning which didn't really end well. I have been sick for the past 1 week and don't do well in cold spots as it aggravates my cough. So the 3 hour lecture felt more like torture to me. But hey, warm water helps a lot and it made me feel better.

I had my first lab session for my final year project today as well. It was really fun. I am looking forward to tomorrow as I have yet another lab session to check on my cell cultures. Hoping that the cells grow well!

[himmelstudies]

5 October 2023

Coffee and study session in the library ☕️

[himmelstudies]

16 August 2023 & 17 August 2023

I had sushi yesterday with my partner and got my favourite mentaiko sauce on the cooked items. 🍙 (My stomach cannot handle raw food sadly so no sashimi :c) Afterwhich, I went to listen to a research seminar and attended my lab session to check on my cells. There are growing pretty well I would say! 😄

My supervisor was really nice and has taught me a lot on how to handle the cells properly. I had to write up a manual for all the stuff he taught me for record purposes as well. But I do find it rather necessary as we are mainly conversing in our mother tongue, which I don't normally use when I am talking to anyone in the lab. So I am pretty glad there was this system in place to ensure I am understanding the information correctly! I didn't really do much after my lab ended when I got home as I am extremely exhausted and was supposed to have an early morning the next day but...

I slept past my alarm. By an hour. I had to rush to wash up and do my hair in 30 minutes without eating any food, except lozenges for my throat/cough. I managed to make it to my lecture hall kinda in time... I was late by 5 minutes but the professor was still doing the course introduction. So thank goodness for that. 🫣 Honestly glad to not be missing this class as I loved this module to bits. Second image was taken in my lecture hall. Since I was late, I felt bad to sit at the back, so I sat near the front of the professor. 🫥

After my lecture, I met with my partner again for lunch and headed to my school area for a short session to write up my lab manual and some key observations for my project so future me won't be dumb enough to do the steps incorrectly and risk re-culturing all the cells again. I will be heading to the lab again tomorrow after my lectures to do more lab training. 🦠 I am honestly kinda surprised that mammalian cells are quite easy to work with. (for now. This is my current impression. I feel like I might take these words back some time in future.) Hoping for tomorrow's session to be smoothsailing! ❤️💙

P.S. my old laptop died so I got a new laptop! Praying it will survive long! My old laptop lasted me 5 years before it died of multi-organ failure (AKA wifi card died, USB port all failed, keyboard malfunctioning, hinge for screen wobbly, trackpad having issues registering, audio port failure, and more... yep, I call it multi-organ failure 🥲)