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Implants for Sensing Magnetic Fields

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the kind-of-a-crappy-superpower dept.

Okian Warrior writes "Wired is running a story about people who have magnets implanted in their fingertips. As a result they can sense ambient magnetic fields, including whether AC wires are carrying current. From the article: 'The fingertip was chosen because of the high nerve density, and because the hands are constantly interacting with the environment, increasing the chances of sensing electromagnetism in the world.'"

2 of 238 comments (clear)

  1. In case this sounds like a good idea... by St.+Arbirix · · Score: 5, Informative

    It's not.

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    Direct away from face when opening.
  2. Re:Wait by azav · · Score: 5, Informative

    Actually, yes. That's what the article says. Being able to detect phone lines, magnetized speakers, etc...

    I think this is actually similar to the active detection of electrical fields that many fish can do. Sharks have these "Ampules of Lorenzini" that they use to zero in on their pre from a distance by detecting the electrical signature of muscle contractions in a prey animal.

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    - Zav - Imagine a Beowulf cluster of insensitive clods...