We can rebuild him — we have the technology
It looks like the bionically rebuild, crashed astronaut Steve Austin from the seventies tv-show the Six Million Dollar Man is not so farfetched after all. He’d probably be a bit more expensive today but nonetheless. Recently 51 year Peter Lane was one of the first people in the world outfitted with ‘bionic’ eyes. Peter Lane hasn’t seen the light in over thirty years and can now see outlines of objects such as doorways and furniture . He also has the ability to read though the reading is limited to small words. Cameras built into his glasses send the images to a processor worn on his belt where they are turned into an electronic signal. This signal is sent back to the glasses and transmitted wirelessly to a tiny receiver and electrode panel implanted on his retina. However, it’s still earlier days before the blind can see as well as people with healthy eyesight. Lane says the way he sees cars is as cotton wool but progress is definitely made. Bionic body replacement parts may become readily available sooner than you think. Head over to Wired for a great overview of bionic arms currently under development.
Focus on the future: the Bionic lens
Even though I’m nearsighted I don’t see myself wearing contact lenses in the near future. It’s a love-hate relationship. I hate them because they irritate my eyes and yes, I’ve tried them for several years. So I wear glasses but would love to be able to wear contact lenses. Not so much because a choice of shades would be nice but but because of what the future of contact lenses may hold in store for us. Let’s take a brief look at what the labrats are working on. Read more
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Who is David?
Easy boys, easy!
Welcome to my personal site. Though I’m a jack of all trades in essence I’m a storyteller. Whether it’s in print, on television, on the radio or live before an audience I thoroughly enjoy sharing my passion for science and technology.
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