Nanite

From Memory Alpha, the free Star Trek reference

Modified nanites

A nanite is a microscopic robotic device and a form of nanotechnology.

A nanite is built by manipulating atoms and contains gigabytes of computer memory. It is small enough to enter living cells and can be programmed to do numerous tasks. Nanites are used by the Federation for medical purposes and are designed to work inside nucleii during cellular surgery. When they are not used, nanites are stored in a non-functional state. When necessary nanites can be destroyed with a burst of high-level gamma radiation.

Nanites consist of several components with different functions. Nanites used in the 24th century are composed of a forward propulsion block, an Oneamisu receiver, a Ranma ½ gyro block, a hex growth stack, Otomo calibration, two reverse flow paddles, one cell membrane sensor and manipulator each, a telemetry antenna, a forward motion sensor, a crystal articulator, logic circuits arranged from A-F and G-L, a T-cell antireceptor and an emergency dissolve system.

The components were seen on an LCARS display of nanites, seen in TNG: "Evolution". Several of them contain anime (Japanese animation) references. The Otomo calibration is most likely to Japanese director Katsuhiro Ôtomo, the Oneamisu receiver is likely a reference to "Ôritsu uchûgun Oneamisu no tsubasa", and the Ranma ½ gyro block refers to Ranma ½, a 1987-1996 manga (Japanese comics) that inspired several animated series and movies.

In 2366 Wesley Crusher experimented with nanites aboard the USS Enterprise-D to see if he could enhance their capabilities, by letting them work together. When these nanites escaped they entered the Enterprise computer core were they multiplied and interfered with almost all ship operations. When Doctor Paul Stubbs tried to kill them the nanites retaliated by taking over control of the Enterprise life support systems and even tried to kill him. At that point the escaped nanites were considered "alive." The destruction of the Enterprise was prevented by Data who was able to talk to the nanites and as their spokesman was able to come to an agreement with Captain Jean-Luc Picard. The enhanced nanites were eventually transfered to the Kavis Alpha IV where they founded their own civilization. (TNG: "Evolution")

A graphic of Wesley's nanites

Doctor Beverly Crusher suggested to use nanites as a weapon against the Borg during their incursion into the Federation in late 2366. The plan however was not implemented, as the process of preparing the nanites would have taken several weeks. By then the Federation may only have existed as part of the Borg Collective. (TNG: "The Best of Both Worlds, Part II")

In 2369, Julian Bashir found similarities between nanites and the artificial microbes that resurrected the Ennis and the Nol-Ennis on a moon in the Gamma Quadrant. (DS9: "Battle Lines")

The Doctor designed and used nanites that recognized unusual DNA patterns. He used it to identify Lon Suder's Betazoid DNA in Frank Darwin's fatal head wound. (VOY: "Meld")

Many species have researched nanotechnology for various applications; the Denobulans were said to use advanced nanotech in medicine in the 22nd century. Another known nanite-like device is the nanoprobe, used by the Borg for many purposes including the probing and assimilation of foreign species and technologies.

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