Light Could Make Paralyzed Limbs Move 63
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by
samzenpus
from the walking-on-sunshine dept.
from the walking-on-sunshine dept.
Zothecula writes "In a study that could eventually restore movement to humans' paralyzed limbs, researchers at California's Stanford University have used light to induce muscle contractions in mice. A gene derived from algae was inserted into the mice, encoding a light-sensitive protein which adhered to their nerve cell surfaces. Scientists then placed an 'optical cuff' lined with tiny, inwards-facing LEDs around the mice's sciatic nerves. By penetrating those nerves with brief, high-intensity bursts of blue light, they were able to produce muscle contractions similar to those that would occur naturally. The technology is called 'optogenetics.'"
This is cybernetics (Score:3, Interesting)
This is technology that could drive real cyberorganisms. Artificial muscle and nerves coupled together with this light sensitive protein and an optical system controlled by an electronic brain (or quantum super computer if you prefer).
We've even demonstrated glucose power cells. All that's left is a circulatory system to feed the tissue.
Cool indeed.