The boundaries between humans and machines are blurring at an unprecedented rate, with the latest innovation in medical technology pushing the limits of what we consider "normal." Electronic implants are now being used to restore sight to those who have suffered from age-related macular degeneration, a disease that affects around 600,000 people in the UK alone.
The new treatment involves surgically implanting a microchip into the retina, which functions as a pattern converter. A camera in a pair of glasses sends visual information to the chip via infrared light, and the chip converts it back into electrical signals that are detected by the retina. The result is astonishing – 84% of patients in a recent trial were able to read letters and numbers with the device, equivalent to an average improvement of about five lines on a standard eye-test chart.
But this is not just a one-off success story; the potential applications of electronic implants are far-reaching. Devices that can read brainwaves are allowing paralysed people to type, while prosthetics currently in trials are controlled by sensors placed on muscles and nerves remaining after amputation, providing users with a sense of touch and proprioception.
The future may seem like science fiction, but it's already here – or at least, it's being developed. Elon Musk's Neuralink venture has taken the lead in direct brain-computer interface technology, implanting a chip into a volunteer's brain to allow basic commands to be sent to a computer.
However, as with any new medical technology, there are risks involved. Adverse events were reported during the macular degeneration trial, including retinal damage requiring further surgery. And even with direct brain implants, there's still a long way to go before we can say that these devices truly "speak" the body's language.
As the cost and accessibility of these technologies become more established, they will undoubtedly have a significant impact on healthcare – but also raise questions about who will be able to afford them. Partnerships between public funding agencies and private biotech firms are the result, with prices ranging from £13,000 to £37,000 per prosthetic hand.
While it may seem daunting, one thing is clear: we're at a turning point in human technology. Electronic implants like Prima are not just about restoring sight or mobility; they're about blurring the lines between humans and machines. And that's a future worth embracing.
The new treatment involves surgically implanting a microchip into the retina, which functions as a pattern converter. A camera in a pair of glasses sends visual information to the chip via infrared light, and the chip converts it back into electrical signals that are detected by the retina. The result is astonishing – 84% of patients in a recent trial were able to read letters and numbers with the device, equivalent to an average improvement of about five lines on a standard eye-test chart.
But this is not just a one-off success story; the potential applications of electronic implants are far-reaching. Devices that can read brainwaves are allowing paralysed people to type, while prosthetics currently in trials are controlled by sensors placed on muscles and nerves remaining after amputation, providing users with a sense of touch and proprioception.
The future may seem like science fiction, but it's already here – or at least, it's being developed. Elon Musk's Neuralink venture has taken the lead in direct brain-computer interface technology, implanting a chip into a volunteer's brain to allow basic commands to be sent to a computer.
However, as with any new medical technology, there are risks involved. Adverse events were reported during the macular degeneration trial, including retinal damage requiring further surgery. And even with direct brain implants, there's still a long way to go before we can say that these devices truly "speak" the body's language.
As the cost and accessibility of these technologies become more established, they will undoubtedly have a significant impact on healthcare – but also raise questions about who will be able to afford them. Partnerships between public funding agencies and private biotech firms are the result, with prices ranging from £13,000 to £37,000 per prosthetic hand.
While it may seem daunting, one thing is clear: we're at a turning point in human technology. Electronic implants like Prima are not just about restoring sight or mobility; they're about blurring the lines between humans and machines. And that's a future worth embracing.
this is wild stuff! I mean, can you even imagine having a pair of glasses with a camera implant that helps you see? It's like something out of a movie 
or a TV show 
like Westworld (you know, the one where they're all getting implants to become "hybrids") 
. And now we're talking about brain-computer interfaces and prosthetics controlled by sensors... it's like something straight out of Star Trek 
. The possibilities are endless, but at the same time, I'm a bit concerned about the cost and accessibility – I mean, not everyone is going to be able to afford these fancy tech upgrades 
. But overall, I think this is the future we're meant to have, and it's exciting to think about all the people who could benefit from these new technologies 
.
... but I'm also both excited and concerned at the same time 
. It sounds like we're really on the cusp of something revolutionary here, but have you thought about how this tech might affect people with different abilities or socioeconomic backgrounds? £13k for a prosthetic hand is still pretty steep for some folks 
... maybe it's time to think about ways to make this tech more affordable and accessible?
I mean, can you even believe we're living in a world where electronic implants are helping people see again?! 
, have you tried it? I mean, I've had the most amazing taco Tuesday experience at this new spot downtown. They put kimchi on the tortilla and it's like a party in your mouth! Anyway, back to these electronic implants... I wonder if they'll come up with something that can translate brainwaves into tacos 
. Of course, there are risks involved, but I think the pros far outweigh the cons. I mean, who wouldn't want to be able to see or move again if they could? It's not just about the tech itself, it's about what it can do for people's lives 
. Elon Musk is a genius, btw!
anyway tho i think its dope that we r pushing the boundaries of tech & seeing what's possible 
.
.
, but at the same time, it's kinda cool to think about 
. Medical ethics, regulatory bodies... everyone's gotta be on board with this stuff 
. Can't have us rushin' into somethin' that could potentially harm people 
.
how can we trust these new techs not to mess with our bodies? and 13k-37k quid for a prosthetic hand?! that's like asking if the cost is worth losing your humanity 
, it's like something out of a superhero movie 
. But what's even crazier is the possibility of people controlling prosthetics with brain waves 
.
.
.