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ICYMI: Fast brain upload, mind-control monkeys & more
#fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-222051{display:none;} .cke_show_borders #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-222051, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-222051{width:570px;display:block;} try{document.getElementById("fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-222051").style.display="none";}catch(e){}Today on In Case You Missed It: Researchers at HRL Labs have developed a system to upload information to your brain using electrical signals already mapped from an expert's mind. Duke University is testing a wireless brain-machine interface that allows monkeys to steer a wheelchair with their mind, which they were able to do while also improving their skills over time. Cardiologists have a new tool to roto-rooter blood vessels filled with plague in the first FDA approved device that helps surgeons see inside vessels with a built-in camera.
Transparent material developed that's twice as strong as Kevlar, infinitely weirder
Scientists in Israel have developed a transparent material with "the hardest organic nanostructure known to man," according to Discovery News. Based on artificial proteins similar to (and simpler than) the beta-amlyoid proteins that have been linked to Alzheimer's disease, and covered with transparent nanospheres, the new material is very, very strong: in order to cut it, a diamond-tipped probe would have to apply twice the pressure it would take to cut Kevlar. Researchers see it being used for anything from bulletproof armor to reinforced steel -- but don't throw out your old body armor yet! It could be years (if not decades) before this comes to market.
Arterial tandem: coronary drill gets cleared for use, MEMS sensor distinguishes between kinds of plaque
We know discussing things involving "arteries" and "coronary plaque" generally don't do much for one's appetite, but being the holidays and all, we honestly can't think of a more fitting way to remind you not to pig out this evening. Up first is a MEMS-based sensor designed by downright enlightened researchers at the University of Southern California, which is used to "distinguish between stable and unstable atherosclerotic plaques in coronary arteries." The idea here is to more easily determine whether a patient needs immediate surgery or simple lifestyle changes in order to remedy artery issues, though the process is still awaiting clinical approval before it can be used en masse. In related news, Pathway Medical has just received European clearance to sell its Jetstream G2 NXT coronary drill overseas (or "peripheral atherectomy catheter," as it were), which does exactly what you'd expect it to: clear clogged blood vessels in the treatment of PAD. If you're not already grossed out, feel free to tap the links below for more information on head past the break for a couple of video demonstrations. Mmm, honey ham!
