By implanting electrodes into the brains of grasshoppers, scientists were able to harness the insects’ sense of smell for the purpose of explosive detection.
Category: cyborgs – Page 22
In two new studies, North Carolina State University researchers have designed and tested a series of textile fibers that can change shape and generate force like a muscle. In the first study, published in Actuators, the researchers focused on the materials’ influence on artificial muscles’ strength and contraction length. The findings could help researchers tailor the fibers for different applications.
In the second, proof-of-concept study published in Biomimetics, the researchers tested their fibers as scaffolds for live cells. Their findings suggest the fibers—known as “fiber robots”—could potentially be used to develop 3D models of living, moving systems in the human body.
“We found that our fiber robot is a very suitable scaffold for the cells, and we can alter the frequency and contraction ratio to create a more suitable environment for cells,” said Muh Amdadul Hoque, graduate student in textile engineering, chemistry and science at NC State. “These were proof-of concept studies; ultimately, our goal is to see if we can study these fibers as a scaffold for stem cells, or use them to develop artificial organs in future studies.”
Australian researchers have used the “wonder material” graphene to develop a sensor that could enable anyone to control robot technology with their minds.
“The hands-free, voice-free technology works outside laboratory settings, anytime, anywhere,” said co-developer Francesca Iacopi. “It makes interfaces such as consoles, keyboards, touchscreens, and hand-gesture recognition redundant.”
The challenge: Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are systems that translate brain activity into commands for machines, usually for medical reasons. A person with a limb amputation can use one to control a prosthetic with their mind, while someone with paralysis could use a BCI to “type” words on a computer screen just by thinking about them.
Video I found on wearable robots.
Introducing an innovative solution that enhances your mobility WIM:
- It provides easy and safe walking.
- It enables effective exercise.
- It guides and reinforces your gait performance.
Specification.
Summary: Researchers have developed an artificial electronic skin (e-skin) capable of converting sensory inputs into electrical signals that the brain can interpret. This skin-like material incorporates soft integrated circuits and boasts a variety of sensory abilities, including temperature and pressure detection.
This advance could facilitate the creation of prosthetic limbs with sensory feedback or advanced medical devices. The e-skin operates at a low voltage and can endure continuous stretching without losing its electrical properties.
Coating implantable electronics in the polymer PEDOT can extend their life, which could make cyborgs more common in the future.
Researchers have developed a special polymer coating for electronics implants that make them less abrasive to biological tissue.
A new non-invasive device called MiniTouch provides thermal feedback about the object being touched.
Amputees can regain temperature sensation in their phantom hand thanks to new bionic technology. Researchers from Switzerland’s Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPF) are leading this innovation.
They created a non-invasive device called MiniTouch for the study, which provides thermal feedback about the object being touched.
😗😁
Jizai Arms.
“Half a century since the concept of a cyborg was introduced, Jizai-bodies (digital cyborgs), enabled by the spread of wearable robotics, are the focus of much research in recent times,” states the company’s website.
It works for retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Science Corp has conceived of a new bionic eye that targets and cures two diseases that cause blindness. “Today we’re excited to take the covers off of our first flagship product development program: the Science Eye, a visual prosthesis targeted at retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), two forms of serious blindness presently without good options for patients,” said the firm in a post from November 2022.
How does it work? By targeting the functioning of the diseases.
Peshkova/iStock.
The Science Eye’s grand promise is to help restore vision. If it works, we might even be able to manipulate our own reality.