Module 3: Biotechnologies, Bionics and Cyborgs Flashcards
Biohackers
-focuses on the less technical aspect and often involves working outside of traditional medicine
Biopharma
-biotechnology-based development of drugs
Bioengineering
-refers to implanted technology and bionics
Motivations for biotechnology in the context of aging
-remain active
-moderate impacts of aging
Remain active
-older adults may use biotechnology to help them remain socially, intellectually, and physically active
Moderate impacts of aging
-older adults facing challenges in terms of mobility, vision, hearing, etc. may wish to moderate the impacts of these challenges using biotechnology
Bioengineering examples
-implants
-bionic prostheses
-3D printing and wearable robotics
Implants
-cochlear implants
-retinal implants
-pacemakers
-neurological implants
Bionic prostheses
-joint replacements
-bionics
-cyborgs
3D printing and wearable robotics
-3D printed organs
-3D printed limbs
-exosuits
What are different types of implants
-cochlear implants
-artificial vision
-pacemakers
-neurological implants
Cardiac implants
-pacemaker
-implantable cardioverter defibrillators
Pacemaker
-small device implanted in the chest to monitor an individuals heart rate
-when irregular heart rate is detected, electrical impulses will be sent from the device to the individuals heart in order to stimulate a normal rate of contraction
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators
-developed to prevent sudden cardiac death
-can respond to sudden life-threatening irregularities in cardiac rhythm by delivering a shock to reset the hearts rhythm back to a normal pace
Neurological implants
-brain computer interface (BCI)
BCIs for communication
-can read people with paralysis’s intentions directly from the brain and using that information to control external devices or move paralyzed limb s
BCIs for mobility
-have been utilized to control robotic arms by targeting brain signals from the cortex
Transcranial magnetic stimulation
-involves use of an electromagnetic coil that is placed on the scalp of an individual
-produces a magnetic field which can then stimulate specific areas of the brain
Neurohacking
-form of biohacking
-DIY neuroimplant
Potential issues with neural implants
-risk of seizure
-risk of vision distortion
-risk of infection
Risk of seizure
-due to relatively strong current required to activate target neurons, activating multiple electrodes at once risks triggering a seizure
Risk of vision distortion
-activating neighbouring electrodes can stimulate the tissue between them, fusing 2 discrete visual points and blurring vision
Risk of infection
-implanted biotechnology could result in scarring of the surrounding brain tissue, possibly leading to an infection
Joint replacements
-surgical procedure in which an arthritic or dysfunctional joint surface is replaced with an orthopedic prosthesis
Bionics
-refer to the replacement of a limb or body part by an artificial limb or part that is electronically or mechanically powered