- Posted by sondreb on October 2, 2006
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Bionics
bi·on·ics (b-nks)
The science of biological functions and mechanisms as analogous to electronics, using knowledge of human and other animal systems to devise improvements in various machines, especially computers.
That is a word that spurs feelings in us humans, for both good and bad. The bad often comes from our memories of science fiction books and movies where in almost all cases, something bad comes from the merging of human bodies with our own technology. Cyborgs come to mind quickly.
Technology is rapidly changing our lives, evidently with the way we use computers to just about everything today.
I remember back in 1997/1998 when I used a Macintosh Performance 5200 which had a 75MHz CPU. It could barely play back MP3 music if I used the machine for something else than playback. Fast forward to today, and in my pocket I have a HTC MTeoR Windows Mobile based Smartphone which has an amazing 300 Mhz processor. It has 128+64MB of memory built in, and gigabytes of storage with a Micro-SD card.
But looking at bionics today it is still a field primarily for people with disabilities and the quality still has a long way to go, to achieve human-or-better level of performance.
Even so, that doesn't stop a small group of individuals who have a strong sense of urge towards augmenting their own bodies and minds. In this article on Wired you can read about Philippa Garner who's already gone through a massive transformation in her own way.
Jonathan Kuniholm, an Iraq war veteran, took matters in his own hands and started developing an alternative to existing hand prosthetic he got from his hospital. The built a prototype using LEGO Technic parts, wow.
Personally I'm looking forward to eye-cameras that can record my own personal experiences which I can index, search and playback some day in the future. One such project is the EyeTap.
Exoskeletons have seen a lot of advances recently, and Yahoo News reports on a project developed by Japanese engineers to help nurses with their heavy lifting. While these are currently just a suite around your existing body, I expect them soon to interact more directly with nerves, muscles and neurons in our bodies.
You can easily find thousands of good resources on bionics if you only make a search for it, but here is some interesting stuff for you:
Cyberhand
Neorobotics, the fusion of Neuroscience and Robotics.
A Question of Mind Over Matter
Grow Your Own Limbs
And finally, take a look at the interactive bionics tour on Wired, to see some of the possible implants you can utilize in the near future.
It should be in every individual's interest to seek self-improvement and to do something about it, now! You can't sit around, smoking, drinking and eating unhealthy food. Start a change today, and soon you'll be living long enough to live forever. Enjoy life!