Science Technology

Inside Bionics

Scientists have known for a long time that the human neurosystem uses electrical signals to transmit commands from the brain to the rest of the body.

Now they are designing devices that speak directly to the nerves themselves.

In a multimedia special report, the Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel explains the theory behind bionic implants.

Sun-Sentinel (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.)

The Artificial Human

(University of Washington/NewsWorks)

There is no machine as complex as the human body, and making functional replacements for damaged parts is a challenge that has puzzled scientists for centuries. Recent advances, however, are coming close. New ear implants, for example, are helping profoundly deaf people to hear. And new devices are giving life to the previously lifeless limbs of quadriplegics. Scientists have also developed an artificial replacement for blood that might someday circulate through an artificial heart. In some cases, they are finding ways to help the body re-grow its own damaged tissue. Here, a look at the state of bionics ... or the closest thing to it.

From NewsWorks

Building up for bionic success
Los Angeles Times

Sound, where there was only silence
TRIButaries (Greensburg, Pa.)

Baby thrives with bionic ear
TRIButaries (Greensburg, Pa.)

Bionic hand cleared for sale
Detroit Free Press

A new hope for quadriplegics
Detroit News Online

Crafting freedom with new limbs
Sacbee (Sacramento, Calif.)

Quest for the artificial heart
Houston Chronicle Interactive

A new heart grown from living tissue
Houston Chronicle Interactive

Synthetic blood may reduce number of transfusions
Lexington Herald-Leader (Ky.)

Rebuilding the body by re-growing it
Detroit News Online

Growing a new you
@ugusta (Ga.)

Investors regard tissue engineering with new eyes
San Diego Source

From the Web

BioRobotics Laboratory
University of Washington

American Society for Artificial Internal Organs
www.asaio.com