Thursday, August 21, 2014

Biophysics Week 3 - Bionics

1. Bionic person?
As with most ideas of this nature, my biggest concern is the waste of resources! As a thought experiment, I think the idea is fascinating, but I absolutely do not think that the great minds of our generation need to be thinking about something so unnecessary to human and planet health and happiness. I also think that these bionic people would inevitably be used for things that required increased strength, decision making speed, and a certain amount of invincibility... military? I am opposed. However, I am not opposed to the use of technology to improve people's lives -- for example, prosthetic limbs, pacemakers, and many more are examples of appropriate use of technology.

2. Headset for Locked-In Patients
The biggest issue of the article seems to be the effectiveness of the headset in question. I think it would be a true tragedy for these to be marketed as a saving grace for those with the condition described, while actually doing very little for them. With so little feedback from the patient, it seems as though this could easily happen, leaving people feeling perhaps more helpless than before. As someone who has never been close to anyone experiencing this sort of condition, I could never form an opinion on the utility of such a device. I can't even imagine the frustration and heartbreak for all involved.

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