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Chip implanted in spinal cord could help sufferers of chronic pain (video)
Researchers at Sydney's National ICT Australia (NICTA) have spent the past two years developing an incredibly futuristic invention which could bring relief to those who suffer from chronic pain. What it amounts to is a series of 'smart' chips inserted into biocompatible devices and strung together. These are then sewn into a very small (1.22mm wide) lead made of a polymer yarn and wires, which are then inserted into the spine. The device is them connected to a battery and computer which can measure and gather information about the pain-carrying nerves signalling the brain. The device can also respond by sending 10 volt electrical pulses to block the signals' path to the brain, tricking the brain into thinking there is no pain. There are devices such as this one already in existence, but they are much larger than this new device, and its smaller size increases accuracy as it can be implanted closer to the spine than previous models. The NICTA's device is set to go into human trials next year. Video after the break.
Australian scientists working on "suspicious behavior" monitoring
We've all heard of facial recognition software, that detects people against an image databse of known suspects, but what about software that checks against behavioral warning signs? Strange as it sounds, certain behaviors or body language can tip off a watchful eye, be it algorithm or a trained human. Australian scientists are working on automating this procress in software to track "inappropriate behavior" in public places, interpret that how you will. This, of course, is normally the work of trained officers, like the Nevada Highway Patrol officer who earlier this week unknowingly pulled over polygamist Warren Jeffs. The fugitive was then apprehended when the officer noticed Jeffs' carotid artery pulsating abnormally. Maybe a new Robocop isn't as far off as we might think, but we're all going to need some new gear as our pulsing carotid artery's already telling us the tin foil hats we've come to rely so heavily upon just ain't gonna cut it.[Via TechDirt]
