Briar Patch (Star Trek)
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In the Star Trek fictional universe, the Briar Patch is a nebula in sector 441 in Star Trek: Insurrection. While the nebula's visual characteristics are reminiscent of astronomical photographs, many of its more interesting properties were invented to support the film's storyline.
Located in Federation territory, the Briar Patch is a region of space which most starships avoid. Various radiation sources and energy fluctuations impair communications systems, making it difficult for vessels inside the nebula to make contact with those outside the nebula. Clouds of metreon gas, a highly volatile substance of unknown composition, make travel through the nebula difficult as well. Warp drive cannot be used, and even impulse drive is reduced in utility. The one featured in "Star Trek: Insurrection" is a class-M world unusual for its possession of an intricate planetary ring system. A Ba'ku colony established itself on the surface, where the colonists rejected most forms of advanced technology and attempted to create a utopian society. Some time after their arrival, the colonists discovered that "metaphasic radiation" from the Briar Patch, intensified by the planet's rings, continually rejuvenated their genetic structure. Unbeknownst to the outside Universe, the Ba'ku planet was effectively a fountain of youth.
Klach D'Kel Brakt
The Klingon system Klach D'Kel Brakt was also given the designation "Briar Patch" by Arik Soong. At least two inhabitable planets existed there, according to the "Star Trek: Enterprise" episode "The Augments" in which Arik Soong and his band of Augments attempted to reach the system and use it as a hideout. In 2272 it was also the site of a dramatic Romulan/Klingon confrontation, which was led on the Klingon side by the future Dahar Master Kor, who would re-enact the battle often with fellow Dahar Masters and veterans Koloth and Kang. This was mentioned in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "Blood Oath".