This comes off as particularly horrid sci-fi flick in the making. Thanks to our slowly becoming cyborgs (the Singularity is the new Judgement Day), engineers are now developing a wonderful device that’s the equivalent of a powerplant for our surgical alterations. Think of artificial hearts or pacemakers. They need batteries, right? Why not use a micro-generator instead, fueled by the bloodstream? Woah.
Pictured above is the minuscule device that’s surgically implanted on the patient. Built by Swiss engineers who want to tap into our body’s potential, tests have so far proven that the method works as a set of these turbines can produce some 800 microwatts.
How It Works
The concept behind this innovative device is relatively simple yet groundbreaking. The micro-generator, often referred to as a “blood turbine,” is designed to harness the kinetic energy of blood flow within our arteries. As blood circulates through the body, it passes through the tiny turbine, causing it to spin. This spinning motion generates electrical energy, which can then be used to power various medical implants such as pacemakers or artificial hearts. The idea is to create a self-sustaining power source that eliminates the need for frequent battery replacements, thereby reducing the risk of complications and surgeries.
Having such small devices in our body does pose a risk though as they can work like dams for our fluids, which isn’t good news. The potential for these turbines to obstruct blood flow is a significant concern. Engineers are actively working on designs that minimize this risk, ensuring that the device can operate efficiently without compromising the patient’s health. For instance, the turbines are being made with biocompatible materials and are designed to be as small and unobtrusive as possible.
Future Implications and Ethical Considerations
The development of blood turbines opens up a plethora of possibilities for the future of medical technology. Imagine a world where medical implants are entirely self-sufficient, drawing power from the very body they are designed to support. This could revolutionize the field of bionics, making it possible for patients to live longer, healthier lives without the constant worry of device failure or the need for invasive procedures to replace batteries.
However, this technology also raises several ethical questions. For instance, what are the long-term effects of having such devices implanted in the body? Could there be unforeseen consequences that we have yet to understand? Additionally, the cost of developing and implementing this technology could be prohibitive, potentially limiting its availability to only those who can afford it. This raises concerns about equity and access to advanced medical treatments.
Moreover, the integration of such technology into the human body brings us one step closer to the concept of cyborgs, blurring the line between human and machine. While this may sound like science fiction, it is a reality we are rapidly approaching. As we continue to develop and integrate these technologies, it is crucial to consider the ethical implications and ensure that they are used responsibly.
Maybe it would be better to apply current breakthroughs in bionics to provide an infinite charge to a patient’s transplanted bodily additions. Advances in wireless charging and energy harvesting technologies could offer alternative solutions that are less invasive and pose fewer risks. For example, researchers are exploring the use of piezoelectric materials that generate electricity from body movements or even the use of external devices that can wirelessly transmit power to implants.
Source IEEE
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