Bionic Implants

Technology has allowed us to make great leaps in the field of medicine.  Bionic implants, a revolutionary new field is becoming more realistic.  Three blind patients in Europe had their sight restored by using artificial light sensors and microchips in their retinas.  We can use synthetic body parts for many things, such as replacing damaged tissue, limbs and organs.  Obviously, this technology could be essential to saving someone's life via synthetic organs or skin grafts for burn victims. However, it is also used to improve the quality of life.

Scientists believe that a prosthetic brain is possible.  Dr Theodore Berger from the University of Southern California is working on developing a device that could help victims of Alzheimer's disease with memory function.  Surgeons plan on being able to implant a fully artificial heart that could totally replace the natural heart by 2011.  Research is also being done on bionic muscles and tendons, and some scientists are even working on synthetic skin that gives robots a sense of touch.

This is amazing technology.  It could easily save or better the lives of many people.  However, we must consider where to draw the line for improving quality of life.  Helping Alzheimer's patients sounds great, but what about engineering a prosthetic brain chip that could be used to increase intelligence.  More ethical issues begin to arise.  Bionic implants are the way of the future.  It will be interesting to see how far we as a society let them develop.