JHU researchers create self-assembling organic wires

Once more it looks like Johns Hopkins has taken humanity a step closer to full-blown Borg-hood. A research team at the school has created water-soluble electronic materials that spontaneously assemble themselves into wires some 10,000 times smaller than a human hair, for potential uses that include regulating cell-to-cell communication, re-engineering neural networks, repairing damaged spinal cords and transforming individuals into cybernetically enhanced drones. The researchers also point out that the self-assembly principles used to create the nano-scale wires are based on those of beta-amyloid plaques (which have been associated with Alzheimers), so the research may someday lead to a better understanding of the disease. This is definitely good news, but we can't help but think that once we've been assimilated into the hive mind Alzheimer's will be the least of our concerns.

[Via TG Daily]

[pavlindrom @ Oct 27th 2008 1:51PM]

This sounds good. What I am scared of is RFID on every person, but this... this is useful once it's completed. Just think, your grandma will know how to drink, and so much more!

[avester @ Oct 27th 2008 1:52PM]

Since having a badge that can be read from few meters away is a lot more scary than self-assembling creatures (ALIEN, Anyone?) in your tummy.

[pavlindrom @ Oct 27th 2008 1:53PM]

The best yet... she will know who you are. Priceless.

[pavlindrom @ Oct 27th 2008 1:54PM]

@ avester: The end of the world? That is truly scary. Self-assembling creatures? Long after you're dead and this world is no more.

[Elvis @ Oct 28th 2008 4:13AM]

I think is no chance that a RFID board will be in every person.
There are so more steps until then. First, this technology, will be available only for the one with big money.
After that, another technology must appear for the masses.
I guess some thing like "entanglement" will be a starting point.
RFID is a very intrusive method and very easy to detect.
Enjoy the RFID boards and applications because this is the (near) future...

[George @ Oct 27th 2008 1:51PM]

Resistance is futile.

[avester @ Oct 27th 2008 1:51PM]

Could this be incorporated into those damn headphone cords that keep breaking on me after few weeks of use?

[James @ Oct 27th 2008 2:02PM]

You don't happen to have cats, do you?

[Robobagins @ Oct 27th 2008 2:23PM]

Actually this would be even better to replace breaks hidden by the insulation!

[Flashpoint @ Oct 27th 2008 7:36PM]

How about so if you spy on women with cameras and the wire is discovered and ripped, IT GROWS BACK.

[LarryLarryLarry @ Oct 28th 2008 4:21AM]

I would really like to see Nilay's reaction to your comment.

[Sam @ Oct 27th 2008 1:52PM]

I AM LOCUTUS

[Amir A. @ Oct 27th 2008 1:58PM]

Ahhh I miss TNG.

[phanbouy @ Oct 27th 2008 2:05PM]

THERE ARE FOUR LIGHTS!

oh wait wrong episode.

[happy_penguin @ Oct 27th 2008 2:17PM]

OH but those delicious Cardassian eggs for breakfast.... mmmm mmmm mmm!

[Derbeste @ Oct 27th 2008 4:47PM]

Breakfast?.....Lunch.....

I don't know anymore....

It's just so hard keeping up with the Cardassians.

[phanbouy @ Oct 27th 2008 6:45PM]

incidentally, that was my least favorite episode -- watching Picard get tortured for two-part show and his only vengeance as getting to tell them off about their number of lights? Kirk woulda been knockin' skulls, man!

[happy_penguin @ Oct 27th 2008 8:16PM]

Gawd we're nerds.

[Mike10010100 @ Oct 27th 2008 8:34PM]

Data, you truly are a genius, in any time period.

Thank you, sir?

[aaron @ Oct 27th 2008 2:23PM]

All you base are belong to us

[Maxx @ Oct 27th 2008 2:34PM]

You all will become one with the Borg.


Accaully I think that we will all become Borg like, its just destined to look prettier than that. There wont be all wires and shit comming out of your head. Although I kind of dig the lazer. :)

[Kali4 @ Oct 27th 2008 4:36PM]

I was hoping for something more along the lines of Ghost in the Shell...

Major, you have the most beautiful *reamainder of post blocked by content filter

[Kn0wn @ Oct 29th 2008 11:09AM]

The singularity is near.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_singularity

[Boarderwoot @ Oct 27th 2008 2:39PM]

Nano wires, GO!

[JJ @ Oct 27th 2008 2:42PM]

Now... that's just creepy to think about it.

Notice how we're edging closer and closer to science fiction technology in terms of potential benefits and uses for humanity?

Yet, ever think that the words "spontaneously" and "self-assembling" doesn't quite strike you as... odd?

I'm sure this will find great benefits for possible regeneration of muscle tissues, maybe cartilage and limbs, restore brain function, and probably so much more.

However, watching one too many Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes tell me otherwise... >_>;

Hey! Johns Hopkins, you may want to tell your scientific buddies there to lay off the Star Trek conventions for a bit. We're not quite ready for being assimilated into a future-yet-unestablished Borg Hive Mind just yet.

I still want my humanity and all its imperfections. Thank you very much.

[John @ Oct 27th 2008 4:05PM]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embryogenesis

Disturbing.

[NoAndThen @ Oct 27th 2008 2:44PM]

I for one... ah fuck it.

[Lowest Ranked @ Oct 27th 2008 2:54PM]

.... should have opted for the blue pill.

[Knives_Out @ Oct 27th 2008 2:55PM]

reminds me of that machine thing in Superman 3.

[Vicada @ Oct 27th 2008 3:02PM]

I love the way people take a bunch of pre-alpha developments and then turn them into sci-fi metaphors. Face it, people, none of you will live to see flying cars everywhere, and we won't become Borg...etized? at least until Apple has that contract with Nike on running equipment.

[John @ Oct 27th 2008 4:07PM]

That's what SHE said.

[peacefulpony @ Oct 27th 2008 3:04PM]

Get this technology into the hands of people developing penis enhancement products.

There, I just outed the elephant in the room.

[Vicada @ Oct 27th 2008 3:07PM]

Been waiting for that comment all evening :)
Thumbs up!

[Vicada @ Oct 27th 2008 3:09PM]

Oh it's evening in Bulgaria not in the US I guess.

And, well...

YOU WILL ALL BECOME ONE WITH THE BORG! Okay, you got me!

[BigD145 @ Oct 27th 2008 3:36PM]

Why would I want this when I just voted for an assisted suicide measure in my state?

[fischju @ Oct 27th 2008 5:03PM]

I have a vision that one day kick ass, machete equipped Amish will be the resistance to our cyborg overlords

[grb @ Oct 27th 2008 7:43PM]

uhhh...i think Alzheimer's would be a pretty significant threat to a hive mind...

[polymath @ Oct 27th 2008 7:47PM]

This would go a long way to help in the development of prosthetic limbs. Think about it, synthetic nerves, maybe even neurons that can fire faster than biological ones. People that have damaged sensory nerves like optic or auditory bundles could have the damaged tissue replaced. I personally like the idea of a brain that won't start to break down after 80 odd years of use.

[gad get @ Oct 28th 2008 1:11AM]

I angry. I mean, I degree. Umm.... I argue? No... I agree! That's the word! Sorry, My brain's breaking down.




...What were we talking about?