A Closer Look - The Center for Ethical Bionics

The Center for Ethical Bionics, we understand cybernetics and bionics can be used to promote evil agendas. However, we believe that the inherent risk of research can be combated by the strict implementation of strong ethical values. ...

Founded in 1992 in San Francisco, California, The Center for Ethical Bionics was created in response to unrestrained, unchecked growth reported within the rapidly expanding field of bionics. Deeply concerned about the possibility of biomechanical clones, DNA alteration, and the creation of biomechanical humans, many in the scientific community feared these experiments could result in irrevocable damage to humankind. Rumors of the creation of a top-secret, biomachine only heightened the need for immediate action.

Led by Dr. Steven Caldwell (who would serve as the organization's first chairman), The Center for Ethical Bionics began as a haphazard group of top research scientists and medical doctors. As their influence quietly grew, The Center garnered attention from key humanitarian benefactors, including a multi-million dollar donation from The Watson Foundation in 1994.

Since that date, The Center for Ethical Bionics has grown exponentially. Currently, more than 1,300 employees provide ethical counsel and bio-moral recommendations to hundreds of international research teams. The Center also funds much-needed seminars and scholarships, including the prestigious Norcliffe Award (given annually to an individual who exemplifies the positive benefits of controlled cybernetics). ...

There are several doctors involved, but the profile of Dr. Taryn McCarthy, PH.D.  caught my attention.

Upon graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard with a degree in philosophy, Dr. McCarthy became interested in the impact of science fiction television on human acceptance of bionics. She resumed her studies at the renowned Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, where she received her doctorate and went on to shape genetic policy decisions through her work at the Genetics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C. It was here that she met Dr. Caldwell, who convinced her to join The Center as an Ethicist in 1993.

At heart, Dr. McCarthy remains a philosopher. She conducts regular analyses of genetic research, examining the vital link between a scientist's willingness to break ground in bionics and his perception of moral behavior. Her laboratory tests are typically conducted in tandem with top psychologists.

In her role as Chief Ethicist, Dr. McCarthy incorporates new research into The Center's annual publication 'Principles of Bionics.' She is also responsible for the interpretation and dissemination of these standards, which are meant to guide universal ethical behavior within the field of bionics.

Dr. McCarthy is often recognized as the creator of the phrase 'bio-morals,' a term that describes the set of ethical principles used in bionics and biomechanical engineering.

via A Closer Look - The Center for Ethical Bionics.

Not only is she brilliant and hot, but she also seems to be a on to a real X-file, people snatching for secret bionic research. Hoax? I don't think the Los Angeles Intelligencer is a real paper. I find only a reference in a science fiction story. There is no such article "Hijacked on the Way to Healing" listed anywhere and no such reporter as "Julia Fleer" that I could find.

'Hijacked on the Way to Healing,' by Julia Fleer. The Los Angeles Intelligencer.

Jane Doe #1 was critically injured in a car accident.
Jane Doe #2 was found unconscious with blunt force trauma to the head.
Jane Doe #3 was pronounced dead at the scene, a victim of apparent drowning.

The injuries were different. And yet, what eventually happened to these women was identical—and freakishly bizarre.

"In each case, the ambulance was hijacked on the way to the hospital," says Angela Parkers, an officer with the Los Angeles City Police. "These were critically ill patients, each with life-threatening injuries. And none of them made it to the ER."

All three ambulance drivers reported swerving after seeing a man step into the road.

"He was wearing dark clothing, so it was really hard to see him," said Joseph Beatty, an EMT who assisted Jane Doe #2. "I just hit the brakes. And that's when these men—maybe 5 of them—opened the doors and started hauling everybody out."

None of the patients have been recovered. And according to some in the medical community, these kidnappings are part of a widespread trend.

"It's time to face facts," said Taryn McCarthy, Chief Ethicist at The Center for Ethical Bionics. "It's clear that seriously ill patients are being stolen. And we know why they are being taken—to act as guinea pigs in unethical bionic research laboratories."

Rumors of human experimentation, particularly in subjects who are too ill or injured to protest the dangers of bionic testing, have been uncovered in recent years.

"Bionic research is happening, and it should be happening out in the open where it can be regulated," said McCarthy. "But the truth is, labs are operating in secret. Kidnapping these unidentified patients against their will, to turn them into bionic creatures with unknown powers...it's simply unforgivable."

As for area hospitals, they plan on taking extra precautions to protect their injured patients.

"No more stops," said Beatty. "Next time someone steps into the road, I'm not braking."

via EthicalBionics

There is no "Cybernetics Way" on google maps in San Francisco. The phone number given is now disconnected.

The Center for Ethical Bionics
1537 Cybernetics Way
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-683-6297

Looking at the IP of the web site, it seems to be hosted by someone who created web sites for NBC, like www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com

Ah, now that I traced the site's connection to NBC, I find that someone named Matt solved this back in 2007:

Here's the answer: The site is a fake connected with NBC's Bionic Woman show.

The website looks pretty good and is rather convincing with its full content and lots of links that loop around as well as link out to legitimate news sites regarding bionics. There’s even a phone number, and yes I called it and got the voicemail system for TCEB. Unfortunately all their scientists were busy at the moment. I hope they don’t use their scientists to answer phones! There are a few more links out that go to “coming soon” sites for bionics tests, etc. I imagine those will be unlocked as the show starts up. The page I found to be most interesting was “A Closer Look” with a mysterious bio at the very bottom detailing a rogue bionic woman. Now the series storyline has a rogue bionic woman that our new bionic woman must battle, so I’m guessing this “dead” woman isn’t really dead after all. We’ll see soon enough.

Overall, the website is a pretty cool idea. They’ve been very careful to limit the detectable traces back to NBC. However, when loading or refreshing a page watch your status bar for the ever so brief callback to NBC.com for confirmation that this is a fictional site. Kudos though NBC, I enjoyed it.

Update (9/13): There’s another Bionic Woman fun site to check out. How Bionic are you feeling today? Bionic Assessment Test

Written by: Matt
Posted on: Tuesday, August 14, 2007
http://www.wildbluffmedia.com/2007/08/14/bionic-woman-ethical-bionics-website-blurring-reality/