Wednesday, 5 September 2012

Stealth cyborgism: pacemakers, cochlear implants and prosthetics



In science fiction the term "cyborg" is used to describe human beings whose bodily functions are aided or controlled by some type of technology. When you consider that what this actually refers to is enhanced capabilities through technology, we're not talking about the bionic man. In reality these concepts allow people who suffered from accidents or with current disabilities to regain or exercise a set of skills.


The truth of it is, modifying or enhancing our bodies with technology is already possible and relatively common. Every year millions of pacemakers, cochlear and neural implants are successfully implanted in hospitals and clinics worldwide -- would you call that transhumanism? What about prosthetic limbs? As these become more robotic and integrated into the human body the word "cyborg" may be becoming less of a fictional concept.


By: Guest Author, Edited by: Olivia Solon


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via Wired.co.uk



http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2012-09/05/man-or-machine

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