Nanoprobe (Star Trek)

Nanoprobes are a fictional technological device from the "Star Trek" TV series, most commonly used by the race known as the Borg as a method for assimilation of individual people into their collective.

These nanoprobes are microscopic machines that inhabit a Borg's body, bloodstream, and many cybernetic implants. The probes perform the function of maintaining the Borg cybernetic systems, as well as repairing damage to the organic parts of a Borg. They generate new technology inside a Borg when needed as well as protecting them from many forms of disease and virus.

Nanoprobes as an assimilation system

The Nanoprobes are perhaps the Borg's biggest technological threat to those who encounter them, bar their immense vessels and sheer numbers. The Borg exist to add new information and technology to their collective mind, to become ever more expansive until all species and aliens are added to their numbers; to gain all the knowledge of the universe. To do this the Borg inject hundreds of thousands of nanoprobes through two tubules, into a person's body and bloodstream. They then begin the process, against the host's will, of transforming their body into a half-organic, half-mechanical being. The hive mind of the Borg invade the thoughts of the infected person, eventually melding the victim's mind into the collective. Also new enhancements are added to the brain to allow for this form of communication. Transformation is quick, taking only minutes for most species. However there are some species that are less susceptible to the probes.

Resistance to nanoprobes

The most resistant species to Borg nanoprobes is Species 8472, a race of aliens whose cells are extremely powerful in combating biological, technological, and chemical threats. On first contact with 8472, the Borg had no luck in assimilating the species. However, with the assistance of the federation starship "", the Borg reprogrammed the nanoprobes to attack and denature the 8472 cells, killing them. It is unknown whether this one modification to nanoprobe technology will allow the Borg to soon assimilate Species 8472 into their collective.

Denobulan physiology too seems resistant to the nanoprobes, as is seen in the "" season two episode, "Regeneration".

Medical and technological uses of nanoprobe technology

Though used by the Borg to exert control over another being, nanoprobes were used by the crew of the starship Voyager in many instances as medical aids. The probes were used to revive crewman Neelix 18 hours, 49 minutes and 13 seconds after death by repairing his body, as are they used to treat various visitors' ailments. This medical appliance was obtained by the Borg when they assimulated species 149 and was modified by Seven of Nine to use it for reviving Neelix.

In technological uses, nanoprobes were seemingly used by the individual Borg drone known as One to reinforce "Voyager"'s shields and enhance its weapons, in the episode "Drone".

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