Slashdot Mirror
Harvard Creates Cyborg Tissues
MrSeb writes "Bioengineers at Harvard University have created the first examples of cyborg tissue: Neurons, heart cells, muscle, and blood vessels that are interwoven by nanowires and transistors. These cyborg tissues are half living cells, half electronics. As far as the cells are concerned, they're just normal cells that behave normally — but the electronic side actually acts as a sensor network, allowing a computer to interface directly with the cells. In the case of cyborg heart tissue, the researchers have already used the embedded nanowires to measure the contractions (heart rate) of the cells. So far, the researchers have only used the nanoelectric scaffolds to read data from the cells — but according to lead researcher Charles Lieber, the next step is to find a way of talking to the individual cells, to 'wire up tissue and communicate with it in the same way a biological system does.' Suffice it to say, if you can use a digital computer to read and write data to your body's cells, there are some awesome applications."
"I never asked for this."
... just build cyborgs which don't need to blow their nose?
that part where Data had like 4 square inches of skin grafted on to him, and it was the greatest thing that ever happened to him
Your heart possibly being owned by a corporation. Or your willy wang and the police busting down your door for unauthorised jerking methods.
The issue for all of us who already exist today is that the tissue grows around the mesh. Certainly in the future new organisms can be grown and integrated at the same time to become cybernetic life forms. However, for all of us who are already grown getting a mesh inside of our tissues presents a whole other engineering problem.
On the other, I'm thinking "kill switch"
...they're trying to take over that iPod!
Suffice it to say, if you can use a digital computer to read and write data to your body's cells, there are some awesome applications.
Turn the human body into a biological Pirate Bay.
Shai Schticks:"You don't make peace with friends, you make peace with enemies"
Suffice it to say, if you can use a digital computer to read and write data to your body's cells, there are some awesome applications."
Yes. The RIAA can now ask for someone to be disassembled to search for pirated software, and the government in order to check for terrorist cellular data. Reassembly of course, will be your problem, not theirs.
#fuckbeta #iamslashdot #dicemustdie
You will be assimilated, resistance is futile!
Cool.
I wonder what the infection rate along the interfaces is?
Is it too much to ask to at least let me finish my new video game, Deus Ex: Human Revolution before you start making the real crap in a lab? geesh.
"Bravery is not a function of firepower."
Not only is JC more advanced but he has better lines too.
With a little Transglutaminase and MSG added to the recipe, there could be a lucrative market for obsolete or misbehaving cyborgs, perhaps in places like Papua New Guinea, or certainly in Washington, D.C.
Forward! -- Emperor Norton, 2012
the next step is to find a way of talking to the individual cells, to 'wire up tissue and communicate with it in the same way a biological system does.'
I wonder if these nanowires can be combined the patch clamp to solve this problem?
I can see the fnords!
It took us almost 200 years just to let all humans vote, and we're still debating civil rights for all of them. How much worse will we be to those who are demonstrably not entirely human? Run for President? First they'll need the right to drive.
Ignoring all the ./'s typical cynicism: This is quite an exciting development.
If the artificial components can be kept functioning without affecting the living tissue, we will be able to help people with virtually any physical disability! A few weeks ago there was a stoly how brain signals were decoded when it came to sight, so combine that with this breakthrough we can even have people controlling the devices with their mind!
Biotech is making great strides in progress. This is a very exciting time to be alive.
Childhood memories or another 12 petabytes of live goat porn? Oh, like I even have to ask!
I'm trying to teach myself to set people on fire with my mind... Is it hot in here?
You think their researchers don't get government grants?
I swear to God...I swear to God! That is NOT how you treat your human!
Perhaps Jon Daly was correct, someday there might be a vagina that doubles as a Wifi hotspot.
The only thing going in my vajayjay that runs on batteries comes with a happy at the end. I'm sure most women feel similar. Second, do you really want your dick in a microwave? What do you think rubbing your man-sausage on a transmitter pumping out several watts is going to your little swimmers?
#fuckbeta #iamslashdot #dicemustdie
It has antimicrobial properties. In essence this could help fend off disease just by being there.
It is rather interesting and is worth the time to check it out.
But in real people, cells can repair themselves or be replaced. Wires and transistors, not so much.
Lets get 9 women together and they can make a baby in 1 month!
I think you've just discovered a new method of contraception. Well done!
Now, to the patent office, and I doubt there will be any prior art in this case.
Well, there are virus scanners and then there are VIRUS scanners.
I for one welcome our new Cyborg Overlords!
How can you welcome me when I was here first? Yes, I am a cybog. For real; I'm not entirely human -- part of my left eye is a human-made mechanical device.
You will be assimilated.
Free Martian Whores!
the DOJ will seize it and ask you to forfeit it to them... repeatedly
This tech is worrisome, and awesome.
It's awesome because it will help with all sorts of diseases, It's worrisome because it can be hacked.
In the future viruses will be more serious.
Imagine getting an email stating that your heart now has a new virus, please send $1000 to a numbered account or you will have a heart attack. And of course when you open the email, your heart starts pumping faster.... was it because of the virus or the possible virus.
It took us almost 200 years just to let all humans vote, and we're still debating civil rights for all of them. How much worse will we be to those who are demonstrably not entirely human?
I'm not entirely human, I'm a cyborg, and a lot of people I know are even less human. Me, it's just a device implanted in my left eye that gives me "super" sight. Others I know have artificial joints. Our previous Vice President was a cyborg. We cyborgs can not only vote and drive, if Bush had died the President would have been a cyborg.
Check your constitution, it lays out what you need to be congressman, Senator, and President, and none of the qualifications include "100% human."
You will not only be assimilated, but when your time comes you will pay good money to be assimilated.
Free Martian Whores!
What do you think rubbing your man-sausage on a transmitter pumping out several watts is going to your little swimmers?
Doesn't matter, had sex :D
"When information is power, privacy is freedom" - Jah-Wren Ryel
Oh, right, we'll have cyborg bodies, but will still rely on our own sperm as the only means for reproduciton, right?