MEDICAL LOGS

TUVIX
Season 2 : Episode 40

 

MEDICAL REPORT:

Tuvix is formed when all of Tuvok and Neelix's biological matter merges on a molecular level. All vital signs are stable, and he has the memories of both men, but a single consciousness. Initial microcellular scans show no cause or method of separation. Kes performs a full bio-spectral analysis in the science lab while the Doctor examines the genetic data. A biochemical analysis shows that the orchid contains the same elements as many plants-chloroplasts, lysosomal enzymes, cytoplasmic proteins-but it is the presence of lysosomal enzymes that could be evidence of symbiogenesis, which provides the explanation for their situation. Symbiogenesis is a rare reproductive process where symbiogenetic organisms merge with a second, hybrid, species. For example, Andorian amoebas are able to merge with other single-cell organisms to form a third unique species. Neelix and Tuvok were broken down to a microcellular level during transport, and enzymes that cause symbiogenesis interacted with their DNA while they were in the matter stream.

the Doctor scans the entity who later takes the name Tuvix

The Doctor initially makes over a hundred attempts to reverse the symbiogenesis using the medical transporter. With each attempt there is cornplete cellular collapse since the genetic codes of the test flowers were so scrambled that the transporter's targetting scanners could not recognise the original patterns. Eventually the Doctor develops a radioisotope which attaches itself to the DNA of one of the merged species, but not the other. To reverse the process of symbiogenesis they must beam out the selected DNA and segregate the two merged species. To do this they have to modify the molecular imaging scanners, and compensate for the higher levels of radiation.

EMH SPECIFICATION:

The Doctor is programmed to do no harm, as per the Hippocratic Oath (not mentioned in this episode but he cites it almost in full in  [#60 Darkling] when, again, the name Hippocratic Oath is not mentioned). Accordingly, he refuses to perform the separation procedure on an unwilling Tuvix.

MEDICAL ADMINISTRATION:

The Doctor says via comms: "Sickbay to Ensign Kim. Please turn to your emergency holographic channel." This is channel 47, established in  [#3 Parallax]. See that entry for more details.

OTHER MEDICAL DATA:

The Doctor explains the following about barium, which is a chemical element with atomic number 56: "Until late in the 21st century physicians administered barium to patients with certain gastro-intestinal disorders. The radioactive properties of the barium made the lining of the intestines visible with a primitive imaging technology called X-rays."

DOCTOR'S QUOTE:

To Tuvix: "I am an incredibly skilled Doctor, and I will continue to pursue a safe and effective treatment until I find one. But I won't lie to you. I'm not optimistic. It could take months, even years, to find a solution. And we may face the possibility that this condition is simply....untreatable. I feel as though I've lost two patients. I'm sorry."