master_tremagne

Personally I am immensely fascinated by the idea of binaural beats. Basically, the idea I have is to induce a sort of introspective meditative state, using a medley of herbs known to induce trance- or dream-like waking states (such as lavender,, and further immerse the 'subject', for any experiments in the recent future, this will be me, in this dream state using a mind-machine, or the classic 'ping-pong balls and static' experiment (can't seem to recall the name associated with that). This is meant to be an aid in my study of meditation, yoga, and other such practices meant to expand one's consciousness and sense of self-awareness. Personally, my experiences with meditation have been incredibly enlightening, and I am seeking a way to make it more comfortable and accessible to others.

Maybe I should restate my position. As of now I don't have the means to conduct these experiments, but I plan on developing my knowledge of genetics and chemistry over the next few years, as well as stock up on lab equipment and learn the basics of lab tech. This is by no means an amateur science, I understand, but I am devoted to learning, and am just seeking some small amount of guidance from more experienced individuals.

Specifically, what I had in mind was a replacement for opioid painkillers, something effective, but non-narcotic and non-addictive, and not just an anti-inflammatory. Not sure which chemical exactly, although something similar to the compounds found in the kratom plant is what I had in mind, since the plant is being considered as a replacement for methadone treatment. Unfortunately, the plant has now become somewhat of a street drug, and can be seriously addictive, according to what I've read from the Erowid experience vaults. Therefore, synthesizing some kind of quasi-organic chemical is my endgame. And as for as the point of it all, I am thinking about an inexpensive way to produce pharmaceutical-grade medication without the need for a lab setup, or any kind of extraction, but simply the plant itself. I understand the limitations in that the chemical content may vary from plant to plant, but the idea has been nagging at me for several months now, and I have to see it to its end, even if that end goes nowhere. And you're right, I have little knowledge or funds to put towards this venture, I just figure the best way to learn anything is from people who already know. I do actually have a few textbooks lying around that I have been meaning to read. Thanks for your advice!

I am wondering what the applications of a mind machine are to psychology and the psychology of dreams. Specifically, I am thinking about generating a particularly introspective and/or immersive dream experience. Also, are there other ways to simulate the effect that a mind machine generates? Such as a sequence of images, colors, patterns, or shapes generated by a computer program?

This is related to another topic I posted in the 'Other Sciences' category. Basically, I am seeking a sort of 'how-to' guide for bio-engineering. Specifically, my interest lies in the engineering of plants- especially medicinal plants- and how to engineer a plant to produce a predetermined chemical in its foliage, stems, roots, flowers, fruit, etc. Keep in mind that I am an amateur scientist and have almost no equipment to use for this particular venture, I just want a basis for the upcoming experiments that I am planning, all of which involve the creation of 'new' plant organisms. To clarify, by 'new' plants, I mean the genetic modification of existing plant cells, not necessarily creating entirely new life forms. I don't know if that is even possible, and if it were, it would certainly be very difficult and require an extensive knowledge of both genetics and biochemistry.

This is my first post in this forum and since I don't think this is pseudoscience, and I couldn't find another category I would consider more appropriate, I decided to post here. If this is the wrong category, then I apologize. I am by no means a scientist, more of a budding herbalist, or an aspiring horticulturist, what have you, but my primary interest lies in the genetic engineering of new plants- specifically, as per my background in herbal medicine, plants which may revolutionize the medical field. Basically, this is an inquisitive post. I am wondering if there is a shortcut, so to speak, to making this happen: an alternative to genetically engineering a plant from scratch, using protein synthesis, enzyme and chemo- treatments, somatic fusion, and so on, which would require an extensive knowledge of plant anatomy and biochemistry. Like I said, I am by no means a scientist, (at least not yet) and so biochemistry is a bit above my range at the moment. My idea, something that has been at the back of my mind for several months now, is that it might be possible to infuse, so to speak, a chemical into a plant's vascular system or into preexisting nutrient storage through natural uptake processes, or during the germination process, and then clone said plant. Again, I am in no way experienced with this level of botany and I am really just wondering if this idea is entirely off the wall and/or impossible.