Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), an agency of the United States Department of Defense, has developed cyborg insects that can transmit information from sensors implanted into the insect during the pupal stage. The insect’s motion is controlled from a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS), and it can be used to survey an environment or, say, detect explosives and poisonous gases. Similar high-value and path-breaking work using cutting-edge implantable technology is being done on humans, too.
Implants for humans are not new today. Installation of pacemakers and other medical innovations for prosthesis in humans are common and now basic procedures.
Recently, microchip implants were embedded inside the human body, acting as unique lifetime identifiers. A human microchip implant is an integrated circuit (IC) device or radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder encased in a silicate glass and implanted in the human body.
The RFID microchip is basically a tiny, two-way radio, roughly the size of a grain of rice, capable of storing digital information. The sub-dermal implant typically contains a unique 16-digit identification number that can be linked to the information contained in an external database, such as personal identification, law enforcement, medical history, medications, allergies and contact information. This technology makes it possible, among other things, to instantly verify and confirm the identity of a person.
An RFID implant is capable of holding all the information usually carried on visiting cards. It can transmit this information as one walks through a security checkpoint.
Microchip implants like these have also been used in pets. Some experts have expressed doubts about whether these chips are appropriate for use in humans. However, the fact that these offer many advantages is indisputable.
Background
The first experiments with respect to implants were carried out way back in 1998 by Kevin Warwick, a British scientist. These demonstrated how a computer was able to wirelessly track his movements within the university. He also demonstrated its other applications, such as opening doors and switching on lights.
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Denne historien er fra February 2019-utgaven av Electronics For You.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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TRULY INNOVATIVE ELECTRONICS -INNOVATION UPDATES
Amongst numerous press releases of new products received by us, these are the ones we found worthy of the title Truly Innovative Electronics
Elastomer enhancing smart wearable performance
A high-tech, flexible wearable device made from the innovative elastomer material
Nanotechnology based noninvasive cancer diagnostics
Nanoflake sensors built from indium oxide with platinum and nickel detect changes in isoprene
Space communication with silent amplifiers
In the new communication system from researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, in Sweden, a weak optical signal (red) from the spacecraft's transmitter can be amplified noisefree when it encounters two so-called pump waves (blue and green) of different frequencies in a receiver on Earth.
Advancements in TOPCon solar cells
The structure and performance of tandem devices with highly passivated TOPCon bottom cells
Quantum leap in magnetism refines superconductors
Rice University physicists have uncovered key magnetic and electronic properties in kagome magnets, structures resembling basket-weaving patterns.
Sensor targets food antioxidants
A research team from Hunan City University and Xiangtan University in China has developed a sensor for detecting TBHQ, a food antioxidant used in oils and fats, addressing health concerns at high concentrations.
Data sensing with repurposed RFID tags
UC San Diego researchers have advanced passive data collection with a breakthrough in battery-free sensing.
Seal-inspired sensors to safeguard offshore wind farms
Schematic structure of the seal whisker-inspired flow sensors
Artificial nose identifies scents accurately
Artificial nose identifies scents accurately
