Dilbert creator Scott Adams makes the argument that modern smartphones serve as “exobrains” that provide humans with extraordinary abilities – navigation by satellite, remembering phone numbers, accessing information via the Internet, and more. He believes the fact that we rely so heavily on these devices makes us “cyborgs.” But our current devices are only the [...]
Posts under ‘Bionics’
World’s first bionic fingers (and thumbs!)
We’ve seen plenty of bionic arms and hands lately, but British scientists recently unveiled the world’s first bionic fingers, which can be used to replace individual digits that have gone missing due to injury. High school shop teachers rejoice! The number of disabled people who could benefit is estimated at more than 50,000 in the [...]
Amputee controls bionic hand with his mind
I’m not sure why there’s a sudden rash of stories about bionic arms lately, but this one comes from Italy, where surgeons successfully attached a bionic hand that can be controlled by thought. The hand is actually attached to electrodes in the recipient’s body, where it interfaces with his nervous system. Scientists say the hand [...]
We have the technology: Advancements in bionic arms
Modern materials and designs have prompted major advancements in prosthetic legs to the point where athletes equipped with them may have an advantage over runners with biological legs. The development of prosthetic arms and hands has lagged, however – most people who use prosthetic arms use a simple hook design, which is very primitive. Mechanical [...]
Unsettling concept video from Philips shows potential for e-tattoos
As one of the largest electronics companies in the world, it might make sense that Philips would look to explore advanced display technologies, including electronic motion tattoos. Unfortunately, the below concept video doesn’t exactly get me pumped for the technology: For a video that I assume is supposed to show how tattoos might enhance a [...]
Intel Inside: In a decade, humans will control computers with their minds
Modern smartphones possess more than enough computing power to perform most tasks users need – browsing the Web, checking e-mail, instant messaging, watching video, writing, and more. Only a couple of issues would hold me back from ditching my laptop and using my phone as my primary computing device – the small screen size and [...]
Gadget site highlights “enhanced human future”
This week, popular gadget site Gizmodo is highlighting how humans will integrate technology into their bodies in a series they’re calling “This Cyborg Life.” It’s about what happens when we treat our body less as a sacred object and more as what it is: Nature’s ultimate machine. So far, posts have ranged from the practical [...]
Engineering neurons to respond to light
Many therapeutic technologies, including Cochlear implants that enable the deaf to hear, or deep brain stimulators that treat some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, use electricity to stimulate neurons in the brain. This method isn’t exactly precise, however, as the electrical fields stimulate neurons around the targeted area, which leads to side effects. Researchers at Stanford [...]
Artificial retina restores limited sight to the blind
People with blindness resulting from a damaged retina often have few treatment options. News announced at Neurology 2009, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, may provide hope to these individuals, however. A company called Second Sight announced positive results from a system that restores limited sight, such as discerning movement and light, to [...]
Bionic hand allows wearer to “feel”
One of the problems with bionic prosthetics and prosthetics in general is that the wearers don’t receive tactile feedback from their artificial limb. This feedback can mean the difference between a “gentle squeeze” and “bone crushing vice-like grip.” Researchers in Italy and Sweden have addressed this problem with what they claim is the “first artificial [...]