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The science behind the book

The field of neuroscience is still relatively young. It is known that there are some decisions the brain makes much quicker than can the conscious mind. Innumerable brain processes are never entrusted to the conscious rational mind; but instead are hard-wired in the brain itself. In effect, our brains make a whole lot of decisions without consulting us.

For some time, computer and security specialists have been working on improving facial recognition software. Though improvements have been made, the human brain is still much more effective at recognizing faces than any computer program – even when the faces have undergone changes, such as aging. This suggests the brain uses an unknown set of metrics in facial recognition.

If this is so, it is also likely that other decisions (such as whether we find a face attractive) is also the result of a metrics-based decision engine that exists outside the conscious thought process. The most likely data used by such a metrics program would be based on points of facial symmetry.

The premise of “Upgrade” is based on the concept that a mysterious physician has discovered these metrics and is able to effect micro-changes in a subject’s face that counterbalance asymmetries and satisfiy the brain metric for attractiveness. The subject who has undergone the procedure would see the same reflection in the mirror as always, but others would see the person as attractive.

What effect would be produced upon the psyche and character of a person who had been unattractive to the opposite sex his whole life, to suddenly find he is irresistible to women? Brent Schoenfeld, a young and wealthy software engineer is about to find out.