This video explores ten often-overlooked details from Star Trek lore, ranging from Federation laws and scientific discoveries to Starfleet practices and the implications of the Prime Directive. The speaker, Ellie, counts down these details, providing context and explanations for each.
Genetic Manipulation Ban: A eugenics war in the late 20th century led to a ban on genetic engineering, except for correcting life-threatening conditions. This explains the lack of widespread genetic advancements in the Star Trek universe.
Earth's Planetary Government: Earth is unified under a single world government, the United Earth, which focuses on human rights and planetary protection, allowing individual countries to retain their identities.
Starfleet Microscopic Identification Codes: Starfleet uniforms contain microscopic identification codes, acting as a form of military dog tag, including the ship's name and a custom ID number.
Disappearance of Movies and Television: The advent of holodeck technology likely led to the decline of traditional movies and television as entertainment forms.
Longer Human Lifespans: Medical advancements significantly increased human lifespans, with averages reaching 100 years in the 22nd century and 120 in the 24th.
Borg Assimilation of Starfleet Secrets: The Borg's assimilation of Starfleet personnel grants them access to many Starfleet secrets, including sensitive missions and Federation policies.
Starfleet's Death Penalty: While generally humane, Starfleet once had a death penalty for violating General Order 7 (prohibiting visits to Talos IV), but this was likely abolished later.
Exceptions to the Prime Directive: The Prime Directive allows exceptions to save pre-warp civilizations from imminent destruction, but interference with their development is forbidden.
Human Extrasensory Perception (ESP): Starfleet acknowledges and tests for ESP among personnel, with some individuals exhibiting surprising abilities.
The Warp 10 Barrier: Warp 10, representing infinite velocity, is considered too dangerous due to its effects on human evolution, as depicted in the Voyager episode "Threshold."