Skip to main content

star trek - How does Data maintain his personal hygiene?


I'm assuming Data doesn't need to go number 1 or 2, but an android's bioplast sheeting (his skin) can and has been seen dirty on-screen (in Star Trek: Nemesis, B-4 was found quite dirty from dust/dirt).


How does Data keep himself appearing clean?



Answer




As there are no legitimate case examples in the canon stating that Data is incapable of using normal tools/methods for his personal hygiene, it is reasonable enough to suggest that he simply uses a sonic shower like the rest of his crew mates. I can't find any reference which states that Data is somehow damaged or susceptible to some negative effect from sonic waves. Even if this were the case, there would always be the option for him to simply use water to remove said dirt/dust/grime. From what I understand of Data's composition, he has a fully enclosed artificial integumentary system which, though it doesn't perfectly simulate human skin, does protect the parts of his internal framework. Also, though Data is not completely waterproof, that wouldn't stop him from actually washing the surface of his skin if he kept any orifices sealed (just like we as humans should probably not take deep breaths underneath the water while take a bath). In fact, there are several times in the series which show him fully capable of operating while wet, even when submerged.


I'm not seeing any sparks shooting out of his ears here...


Oh Data... you so silly


Now, the argument against his ability to use water might be that "there are no water showers/sources of water for cleanliness on the Enterprise!" However, that would be a wrong assessment of the situation as well. There are multiple examples throughout the franchise of water being used as a method of hygiene: Captain Archer had his infamous shower malfunction, the first scene of Neelix actually on Voyager was one in which he bathed water, captain Janeway had her own personal bathtub, etc, etc. However, the one example that is most relevant would be the fact that Dianna Troi had a bathtub in her quarters (which she was pictured as starting devolving into an amphibian in) on the Enterprise. It wouldn't be to far of a stretch for Data to have one too if need be.


I hope this helped a little. If Data used some other kind of device or method for keeping clean, there isn't any reference I can find that states so, and the evidence would seem to suggest that he is capable of using the exact same facilities that his biological counterparts use as well.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

harry potter - Did Dolores Umbridge Have Any Association with Voldemort (or Death Eaters) before His Return?

I noticed that Dolores Umbridge was born during the first Wizarding War, so it's very likely she wasn't a Death Eater then (but she is pretty evil -- who knows?). After that Voldemort was not around in a way that could affect many people, and most wouldn't know he was planning to rise again. During that time, and up through Voldemort's return (in Goblet of Fire ), did Umbridge have any connection with the Death Eaters or with Voldemort? Was she doing what she did on her own, or was it because of an association with Voldemort or his allies? Answer Dolores Umbridge was definitely not a good person. However, as Sirius points out, "the world isn't split into good people and Death Eaters". Remember that he also says that he doesn't believe Umbridge to be a Death Eater, but that she's evil enough (or something like that). I think there are two strong reasons to believe that: Umbridge was proud to do everything according to the law, except when she trie...
Post a Comment
Read more

What is the etymology of Doctor Who?

I recently decided to watch Doctor Who, and started viewing the 2005 version. I have the first two episodes from the first season, and I can't help but wonder what is the etymology of the name "Doctor Who"? And why does the protagonist call himself "the Doctor" (or is it "the doctor")? Answer In the very first episode of Doctor Who (way back in 1963), the Doctor has a granddaughter going by the name "Susan Foreman", and the junkyard where the TARDIS is has the sign "I.M. Foreman". Barbara, who becomes one of the Doctor's companions, calls him "Doctor Foreman" (probably assuming that is his name given his relationship to Susan), and Ian (another early companion) does the same in the second episode, to which the Doctor says: Eh? Doctor who? What's he talking about? "Foreman" is most likely selected as a convenient surname for Susan to use because it happened to be on display near where the TARDIS landed....
Post a Comment
Read more

story identification - Animation: floating island, flying pests

At least 20 years ago I watched a short animated film which stuck in my mind. The whole thing was wordless, possibly European, and I'm pretty sure I didn't imagine it... It featured a flying island which was inhabited by some creatures who (in my memory) reminded me of the Moomins. The island was frequently bothered by large winged animals who swooped around, although I don't think they did any actual damage. At the end one of the moomin creatures suddenly gets a weird feeling, feels forced to climb to the top of the island and then plunges down a shaft right through the centre - only to emerge at the bottom as one of the flyers. Answer Skywhales from 1983. The story begins with a man warning the tribe of approaching skywhales. The drummers then warn everybody of the hunt as everyone get prepared to set "sail". Except one man is found in his home sleeping as the noise wake him up. He then gets ready and is about to take his weapon as he hesitates then decides ...
Post a Comment
Read more