A new method for wirelessly powering medical electronics like pacemakers and nerve stimulators could mean new possibilities for treating illnesses and mitigating pain. As reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a team led by Stanford electrical engineer Ada Poon constructed an electronic device smaller than a grain of rice that can be recharged wirelessly by a power source the size of a credit card. According to the paper published today, Poon's breakthrough discovery in wireless power requires roughly as much energy as a cell phone and exposes subjects to radiation levels well below the threshold for human safety.an electronic device smaller than a grain of rice
The method pioneered by Poon is called mid-field wireless transfer. It works on the idea that electromagnetic waves travel differently depending on the kind of material they encounter. Poon used her discovery to engineer a power source that generates a special type of near-field wave like the kind used to power hearing implants. The wave changes characteristics when it moves from air to skin – similar to how sound waves travel faster and at greater distances though train tracks than through air, allowing the vibration of the wheels to be heard before the train itself. As a result, Poon's power source can circumvent the normal range limitations of near-field waves and penetrate deeper into the body.
Poon believes that her work could lead to programmable microimplants like sensors that monitor vital functions, electrostimulators that alter neural signals in the brain, and drug delivery systems that apply medicine directly where needed. All without the bulk of batteries and recharging systems required today. Her endeavours could also help expedite the development of medical treatments that utilize electronics instead of drugs. Stanford Neurosciences Institute director William Newsome said that "the Poon lab has solved a significant piece of the puzzle for safely powering implantable microdevices." So far, the wireless charging system has been tested in a pig and also used to power a pacemaker in a rabbit. The next step is human trials. Should those prove successful, it will likely take a few years before the system is authorized for commercial usage.
Currently in college for Information Technology and to become a future Network Administrator. I find it a wonderful change to hear some good news for a change. This blog was the best news I have heard in quite a long while, If you think about all the new technology popping up some great, some terrible, this technology could save a lot of lives and save people from addictive medications. I believe that this new technology could quite possible lean in that direction. The possibilities of this new technology could be endless and lifesaving. I applaud the electrical engineer((Ada Poon) for developing this great idea she put into reality. She put her talents to the good of the world and I think more people should follow suite. There is good news in the world don’t get me wrong , but their needs to be more of it and less bad news and negativity. Soon to be in the Information Technology field I see a lot of great technology turned bad and Ada Poon has something that I believe will save a lot of lives and after all saving lives is a wonderful thing. We need more people in the world just like her. I am done preaching, Do something great for someone, you won’t be sorry.
ReplyDeleteWhile I can see the value of this technology, I can also see the amount of controversy that could stem from such advancements. How long before the government says that everyone needs to be "chipped"?
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