Picus TV News Reports (DXHR)

In Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Deus Ex: The Fall, the Picus Communications Group regularly update citizens with news reports through their TV broadcast network, Picus TV. Picus TV news is hosted by Eliza Cassan and is broadcast from the Picus Communications building in Montreal.

This is a transcript of news bulletins that appear in the games.

Neuropozyne Shortage
''Returning now to our main story, the global shortage of Neuropozyne is making life difficult for augmented people everywhere. Pharmaceutical giant VersaLife - sole manufacturer of the anti-rejection drug - has suffered multiple setbacks in recent months, slowing the company's ability to meet demand.''

Neuropozyne Monopoly
''Returning now to our interview with noted human augmentation expert Dr Isaac Tiven, as we discuss the lack of alternatives to the drug Neuropozyne. ''


 * "As I was saying, anyone who receives implants or mechanical augmentation must form a permanent bond between biological tissue and inorganic, mechanical systems. This is at odds with the human body's natural defense mechanisms. Without treatment, glial tissue will build up around the augmentation site causing a condition known as Darrow Deficiency Syndrome, or DDS."

And this can be quite severe?


 * "Indeed! Even fatal, unless a proper regime of anti-rejection pharmaceuticals are administered."

You mean Neuropozyne?


 * "Well... yes. That is to say, Neuropozyne is one of many drugs which can be used to treat this syndrome."

''But Neuropozyne is the only drug most of us have heard of. ''


 * "Neuropozyne, or Nu-poz as many people call it, produced by the VersaLife group, has enjoyed very strict patent enforcement. And that has scared away competitors. But, with the new initiatives being put forth by the World Health Organization, that's all about to change."

''Doctor Tiven, thank you for your insights. This is Eliza Cassan reporting live, from Picus. ''

New Hope for DDS Sufferers?
''There may be new hope for those unable to afford VersaLife's increasingly pricey augmentation drug, Neuropozyne. Up and coming pharmaceutical firm Zaaphire Biotech claims it's miracle drug, Riezene, will revolutionize the lives of those suffering from augmentation rejection syndrome - a condition known as D.D.S. - while simultaneously bringing some much needed competition to the anti-rejection drug market. Initial public reports show users of Riezene experiencing a comparable reduction in glial tissue build-up to those taking Neuropozyne, but at a fraction of the cost.''

''Zaaphire is keeping its manufacturing secrets close, causing some to double the legitimacy of the drug altogether. Others question the thoroughness of the company's tests and the speed at which Riezene is moving to market.''

''Still, Zaaphire plans to make its initial public offering in a matter of weeks. So I guess only time will tell if Riezene lives up to its hype.''

This is Eliza Cassan, reporting to you live, from Picus.

Protestors Outside UGSE in NY
''The United Global Stock Exchange in New York found itself being swarmed by protesters today. Many of them carried banners and signs associated with the anti-augmentation organization, Humanity Front. That group is attempting to bring awareness to what is perceived as greed and short-sightedness on the part of the so-called "Augmented One Percent."''

''Sources inside Humanity Front tell me that many of their members are furious because stocks in corporations that keep the augmentation industry live continue to rise. Indeed, market growth for support companies such a VersaLife, who holds the patent for the anti-rejection drug Neuropozyne, shows no signs of slowing. This is encouraging even more pharmaceutical companies to throw their hats into the augmented ring - Zaaphire Biotech, the first such newcomer to devise a low-cost version of an anti-rejection drug, should release its IPO in a matter of days.''

This is Eliza Cassan, reporting to you live, from Picus.

AIDS Cured in Mice
''Exciting news in the medical field today! Researchers working for VersaLife Corporation announced that they have found a method of curing AIDS in mice using microscopic nanite robots. By identifying and destroying HIV virus particles, the nanites are able to stop the virus from replicating, and begin the rejuvenation of T cells needed to run immune systems.''

''Amazingly, researchers were able to see increased strength in the immune systems in mice within days of treatment. The shocking speed at which nanites are able to operate bodes well for nanotechnology in this early stage of development.''

''But what does this mean for humans? How long until nanites are used to cure millions of infected people around the world? VersaLife CEO Bob Page had this to say ...''


 * "At the current rate of development, we speculate that a cure for humans infected with the AIDS virus will be found within the next 3 to 5 years. The socio-economic repercussions of this discovery will be far reaching, and I am so proud to be in any way a part to this contribution to humanity."

We can only hope Mr. Page is right.

This is Eliza Cassan, reporting to you live, from Picus.

Prisoner Escape
I have just been handed breaking news coming out of New York!

''A group of prisoners have escaped custody during a routine transfer to the Rikers Island jail complex in Queens. Apparently, they were being loaded into a security transport when a law enforcement 80-X Boxguard robot open fired on local police killing several and wounding at least thirteen bystanders. The prisoners escaped in the resulting chaos and are currently on the run.''

''Among those escaping was Nadine Stollock, an infamous local hacker known as "Widow" who had been arrested last year during a raid on her base of operations abroad the abandoned USS Intrepid. Speculation has begun that Stollock's associates may have hacked the police Boxguard to enable her escape.''

''Police are currently investigating the malfunction but refuse to comment on it. They are urging citizens to step forward with any information regarding the whereabouts of Stollock or the other prisoners.''

This is Eliza Cassan, reporting to you live, from Picus.

Rebels in Australia
TBD