The Revolutionary Technology Unveiled: Explore Star Trek's Phenomenal Biobed Medical Tech

WARNING: Contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, season 2, episode 8, "Under the Cloak of War."

Summary

Biobeds, utilized in the Star Trek series, are advanced hospital beds designed for a range of medical purposes, such as diagnostics and surgical procedures. These beds feature integrated scanners, sensors, and attachments for medical equipment, facilitating thorough examinations and effective treatments.

In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, the battle with the Gorn causes biobed 2 to malfunction, symbolizing Dr. M'Benga's trauma and his struggle to fulfill his duty as a doctor.

Starfleet's biobeds are essential medical technology used in Star Trek's sickbays. But how do they actually work? Although a malfunctioning biobed is a central plot element in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 8, "Under the Cloak of War", these beds have been a part of the franchise since its inception. Essentially, biobeds are futuristic hospital beds that serve multiple purposes on Starfleet vessels and starbases. Despite the highly advanced medical capabilities in the 23rd to 25th centuries, new diseases and ailments constantly arise in the unexplored frontiers of space.

What Are Biobeds In Star Trek Medicine?

Biobeds in Star Trek: Ensuring the Health and Well-being of the Crew

In Star Trek, the biobeds play a crucial role in guaranteeing the health and well-being of the crew. While in reality, they may appear as ordinary hospital beds with flashing lights and advanced science-fiction scanners, the biobeds have demonstrated their versatility throughout the Star Trek franchise. Over the course of more than five decades, these biobeds have been instrumental in facilitating cutting-edge experimental surgeries, reversing Borg assimilation, and even saving the life of Porthos, the beloved beagle of Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula).

In Star Trek, biobeds serve various medical purposes. Typically operated by the Chief Medical Officer of a starship, these advanced beds come into play when there is a need for diagnosis after a problematic mission or when a crew member's ailment is unidentified. Equipped with scanners and sensors, most biobeds assist in conducting thorough examinations, while some doctors prefer to rely on medical tricorders for accurate diagnoses. On the other hand, Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy from Star Trek: The Original Series often relied on his own observational skills while examining patients on biobeds.

What Happened To Biobed 2 In Strange New Worlds Season 2 Episode 8?

Star Trek's biobeds function as both operating tables for surgical procedures and as recovery beds equipped with advanced medical technology. They feature life sign scanners, a comprehensive array of sensors, and attachments for various medical equipment. In cases requiring more extensive surgery, larger surgical biobeds are utilized, such as during the controversial genetronic procedure that successfully reversed Lt. Worf's paralysis in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "Ethics". Additionally, biobeds in the sickbay are crucial for aiding the recovery process post-surgery or providing intensive care for patients. For critical cases, the biobed can be converted into a stasis chamber until a cure is discovered, similar to how Dr. M'Benga used a life-saving transporter trick.

In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, biobed two experiences yet another "shut down", and Dr. Joseph M'Benga (Babs Olusanmokun) reveals that it has been malfunctioning ever since the intense battle with the Gorn. Devoid of functional scanners and attachments, the biobed becomes incapable of fulfilling its crucial purpose of preserving the lives of the ailing. Coincidentally, this predicament unfolds precisely as Klingon Ambassador Dak'Rah (Robert Wisdom) materializes aboard the USS Enterprise. As Strange New Worlds unveils its Klingon War episode, gradually spiraling towards its ominous climax, it becomes apparent that the struggles of the biobed serve as a profound metaphor reflecting the internal turmoil of M'Benga himself.

Dr. M'Benga, highly skilled in hand-to-hand combat and with numerous kills to his name, made the conscious decision to save lives rather than take them. However, when faced with the notorious Butcher of J'Gal, his past traumas greatly hinder his ability to perform his duties. Similar to a malfunctioning biobed, he too becomes incapacitated, ultimately causing the demise of Dak'Rah, thereby freeing himself from his demons and enabling him to resume his work. While he manages to restore functionality to biobed 2, it becomes apparent that he will inevitably be compelled to confront his darker side once again, demonstrating that Star Trek's biobeds cannot fully unveil the intricacies of the human psyche. Don't miss the season 2 finale of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, streaming on Paramount+ this Thursday, August 10th.