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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of the new prostheses mentioned in the content?
What significant advancement did researchers achieve in 2011?
What was the outcome of implanting a hippocampus chip in rats?
What does the word 'demonstrate' mean in the context of the 2012 study?
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What was a primary goal of the experiment conducted by Wake Forest University?
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What did the scientists at Wake Forest University train the monkeys to play?
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What aspect of technology is still considered to be in its early stages of development?
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What is the hippocampus primarily associated with?
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What does a cochlear implant do?
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How many people worldwide currently have cochlear implants?
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What type of prosthetic limb did Glen Lehman have?
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What significant event happened to Cathy Hutchinson in 1997?
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What innovative feature does the i-Limb Ultra have?
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What major advancement has allowed prostheses to pack more power?
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What capability did researchers give to Cathy Hutchinson with the implanted device?
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In animal studies, how far away could a monkey with a brain implant control a robot arm?
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Study Notes
Bionic Revolution
- A transformative era involving the integration of technology with human capabilities.
- Cochlear implants are used by approximately 220,000 people globally to convert sound waves into electrical signals for the auditory nerve.
Brain Stimulators and Implants
- Brain stimulators send electrodes deep into the brain to manage conditions.
- "Implant" refers to surgically placing devices within the body.
- Deep brain stimulators are specifically utilized to treat Parkinson's disease.
Notable Individuals in Bionics
- Oscar Pistorius gained recognition for competing with a Cheetah carbon-fiber prosthesis.
- Zac Vawter climbed Chicago’s Willis Tower, utilizing a thought-controlled bionic leg.
- Glen Lehman, an Iraq war veteran, is equipped with a nerve-controlled bionic hand.
Advances in Prosthetics
- The i-Limb Ultra features an artificial hand with five independently moving fingers.
- Prostheses are undergoing improvements due to advancements in microprocessors, digital interfaces with the nervous system, and lightweight battery technology.
Cathy Hutchinson's Breakthrough
- Cathy Hutchinson lost control of her arms due to a stroke in 1997.
- She participated in a study where a device was implanted in her brain, enabling her to control a robotic arm through thought.
- This control can extend for thousands of miles, exemplified by a monkey controlling a robot arm across 7,000 miles via internet signals.
Expanding Prosthetic Capabilities
- New prostheses aim to enhance human abilities rather than simply replace lost limbs, potentially integrating with memory enhancements and cognitive functions.
- Research is focused on augmenting memory and decision-making capacities.
Hippocampus and Memory
- The hippocampus is crucial for forming new memories; damage leads to severe memory issues.
- In 2011, researchers developed a "hippocampus chip" and successfully repaired damaged memory in rats.
Intelligence Enhancement Research
- A 2012 study indicated that intelligence could be increased in monkeys through brain chip implants.
- Monkeys trained with these implants improved their performance on cognitive tasks, demonstrating the potential to enhance intelligence.
Ongoing Research Limitations
- Technologies aimed at boosting memory and intelligence remain in their early developmental stages.
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Description
Explore the transformative era of bionics, where technology enhances human capabilities. This quiz covers cochlear implants, brain stimulators, and notable individuals who have benefited from advanced prosthetics. Test your knowledge on the latest innovations and their impact on society.
