Coriolisin

Coriolisin is a fictional chemical compound that appears in science fiction and speculative educational material. In these works, Coriolisin is described as a small, synthetic molecule capable of modulating the vestibular system to produce controlled perceptions of rotation, a nod to the Coriolis effect.

Chemical description: Coriolisin is depicted as a cyclic, chiral molecule with a molecular weight around 320 Da and a lipophilic backbone enabling membrane permeability. Its proposed core features a heterocyclic ring system with functional groups that influence receptor interaction in the inner ear.

Synthesis and handling: In-universe synthesis is described as a two-stage process beginning with solid-phase assembly followed by cyclization, with alternative biosynthetic routes depicted in some works. Handling is shown as requiring controlled environments due to its disorienting effects.

Mechanism and effects: The fictional mechanism involves interaction with vestibular hair cells or ion channels, altering signals to the brain and producing transient vertigo, illusory motion, or disorientation. Aftereffects such as fatigue or nausea are sometimes described.

Usage and reception: Coriolisin serves as a narrative device to explore perception, balance, and navigation; it appears in rehabilitation training simulations, cinematic storytelling, and world-building. There is no real-world regulatory status, safety data, or clinical evidence for Coriolisin outside of its fictional context.