Euthanasia Coaster
The Euthanasia Coaster, designed by Julijonas Urbonas in 2010, is a hypothetical roller coaster intended as a euthanasia device, raising ethical questions about technology's role in life and death.
Read original article
The Euthanasia Coaster is a hypothetical steel roller coaster designed by Lithuanian artist Julijonas Urbonas, intended as a euthanasia device. Conceived in 2010, the coaster features a 500-meter lift that allows passengers to reflect on their lives before deciding whether to continue the ride. If they choose to proceed, they must press a button, leading to a rapid descent at speeds of up to 360 km/h, followed by seven inversions that inflict a lethal g-force of 10 Gs for approximately 60 seconds. This design aims to induce death through prolonged cerebral hypoxia, with the inversions ensuring that even the most resilient passengers do not survive. The Euthanasia Coaster was first exhibited at the HUMAN+ display in Dublin in 2011, highlighting ethical issues surrounding life extension. It has also been featured in pop culture, including a 2012 song by the Norwegian band Major Parkinson. Urbonas's concept raises profound questions about the intersection of technology, life, and death, reflecting on the potential for amusement rides to serve as instruments of euthanasia or execution.
Related
It's Getting Harder to Die
In a world of advancing medical technology, families navigate end-of-life care decisions. Personal stories illustrate the emotional weight. The article advocates for discussing preferences and planning ahead for a peaceful process.
Dying together: Why a happily married couple decided to stop living
A Dutch couple, Jan and Els, married for nearly five decades, opted for duo-euthanasia due to Jan's chronic pain and Els's dementia. Their joint decision reflects the ethical complexities of euthanasia, emphasizing the rising trend of duo-euthanasia in the Netherlands.
Tour de France riders are inhaling carbon monoxide in 'super altitude' recipe
Escape Collective found Tour de France teams like Visma-Lease a Bike and UAE Team Emirates using carbon monoxide for altitude training. This controversial method, not banned by WADA, aims to boost aerobic capacity and is part of the "super altitude" trend. Concerns arise over potential misuse.
Startups building balloons to hoist tourists 100k feet into the stratosphere
Startups Zephalto, Space Perspective, and World View are developing high-altitude balloon rides for tourists, offering unique Earth views. Tickets range $50,000-$184,000. Companies are optimistic about consumer interest in this market.
The Orgasmatron: tale of a pleasure implant (2014)
The Orgasmatron, developed by Dr. Stuart Meloy, can induce orgasms via a spinal implant but faces high costs and regulatory hurdles, hindering its progress despite historical interest in pleasure-inducing technologies.
0 commentsRelated
It's Getting Harder to Die
In a world of advancing medical technology, families navigate end-of-life care decisions. Personal stories illustrate the emotional weight. The article advocates for discussing preferences and planning ahead for a peaceful process.
Dying together: Why a happily married couple decided to stop living
A Dutch couple, Jan and Els, married for nearly five decades, opted for duo-euthanasia due to Jan's chronic pain and Els's dementia. Their joint decision reflects the ethical complexities of euthanasia, emphasizing the rising trend of duo-euthanasia in the Netherlands.
Tour de France riders are inhaling carbon monoxide in 'super altitude' recipe
Escape Collective found Tour de France teams like Visma-Lease a Bike and UAE Team Emirates using carbon monoxide for altitude training. This controversial method, not banned by WADA, aims to boost aerobic capacity and is part of the "super altitude" trend. Concerns arise over potential misuse.
Startups building balloons to hoist tourists 100k feet into the stratosphere
Startups Zephalto, Space Perspective, and World View are developing high-altitude balloon rides for tourists, offering unique Earth views. Tickets range $50,000-$184,000. Companies are optimistic about consumer interest in this market.
The Orgasmatron: tale of a pleasure implant (2014)
The Orgasmatron, developed by Dr. Stuart Meloy, can induce orgasms via a spinal implant but faces high costs and regulatory hurdles, hindering its progress despite historical interest in pleasure-inducing technologies.