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Light Could Make Paralyzed Limbs Move
Zothecula writes "In a study that could eventually restore movement to humans' paralyzed limbs, researchers at California's Stanford University have used light to induce muscle contractions in mice. A gene derived from algae was inserted into the mice, encoding a light-sensitive protein which adhered to their nerve cell surfaces. Scientists then placed an 'optical cuff' lined with tiny, inwards-facing LEDs around the mice's sciatic nerves. By penetrating those nerves with brief, high-intensity bursts of blue light, they were able to produce muscle contractions similar to those that would occur naturally. The technology is called 'optogenetics.'"
How long until some uses this for erectile dysfunction? Lol
I bet people would be masters of raves and/or the disco with proper application of this tech.
Yet another thing I should have thought of myself but didn't. The idea seems generally simple and solves the problem of the interface between living tissue and synthetic components.
I wonder, though, if this foreign tissue interface wouldn't simply get rejected and attacked by the body? Other concerns that occur to me are in the fact that light does get in through the body even if is is just a little. What problems could that cause?
This seems slightly less than ideal, but does address the problem of a synthetic interface that could corrode or otherwise develop resistance between the living tissue and the synthetic... or does it? I suppose what is really needed is a set of cells in the body modified to deal with TTL signals natively without rejecting... possibly highly conductive modified bone or tooth material that can be inserted at the point needed and transmit messages this way.
All of this is something of a stop-gap anyway, I suppose where the real answers lie in regeneration of entire organs and limbs.
This is technology that could drive real cyberorganisms. Artificial muscle and nerves coupled together with this light sensitive protein and an optical system controlled by an electronic brain (or quantum super computer if you prefer).
We've even demonstrated glucose power cells. All that's left is a circulatory system to feed the tissue.
Cool indeed.
A fool throws a stone into a well and a thousand sages can not remove it.
Thats, Just like your opinion...Mannnn
But can it make dead and severed limbs move again? mmmmh, zombies.
An optogenerian?
Since they are adding foreign organic materal into the host, doesn't that mean the host would have to have immune suppressants to stop his body from destroying the cells.
Sounds like its far from a perfect. You might be able to restore functionality to disabled limbs, but at the cost your your immune system.
To avoid criticism; Say nothing, Do nothing, Be nothing.
...that the Religious Right is going to kick up such a fuss about this. Anything that involves genetics sends them into a tizzy. Then it's likely that the Republicans will kowtow to the religious wingnuts, the Democrats will fold like a tent, and the research will be set back by years. A pity, really, given the potential of this research to alleviate some human suffering.
'The Economy' is a giant Ponzi scheme whose most pitiable suckers are the youngest among us and the yet-unborn.
Bright blue light piercing in to their skin. Cancer risk?
If they can make muscles contract and relax according to the supply or lack thereof of a bright light, then a great next step is to get a bundle of nerve tissue to generate a bright light when they are excited. Then fiber optics could potentially be used as artificial nerve tissue to route around damage. The limits of bioluminescence might not allow for interaction with this, though.
Even if there's an inorganic portion needed to generate a bright enough light, having that controlled directly by nerve tissue (and maybe fueled by ATP or body heat if possible) could be a huge advance over the conductive wires and external battery bags being tested now.
Neuroscience researchers have been using optogenetics to selectively excite neurons in rat/mouse brains for years now.
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Reminds me of 'Biophotonics' which, IMHO, is inappropriately categorized as 'Pseudoscience' more often than not.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biophoton
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fritz-Albert_Popp
CC.
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On every family photograph, Rupert was an embarrasment. How he managed to flail just when the flash went off remained a mystery to the photographer.
With this technology, the user has to stay out of the sun, otherwise his limbs will twitch uncontrollably, so only Geeks living in basements need apply...
Excuse me, but please get off my Pennisetum Clandestinum, eh!
My microwave oven has been making hotdogs dance for years.
Now perhaps they can try experimenting on their intended target: humans.
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I wonder if this could be used to enhance the nervous system,
such as those stories of people with amazing levels of strength
I think it might shed some light on this subject.
What's the advantage over using electrical impulses to contract muscles? AFAIK, we've made frog legs move since near the dawn of electricity.
What happens to the poor sod who gets this treatment, then walks through a disco?
Who would win this election: Andrew Weiner vs Andrew Weiner's weiner.