Baltimore (MD) - Research chemists at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) have developed a water-soluble, organic, self-assembling electronic wire suitable for use inside the human body. Derived from carbon materials, the lightweight, flexible wires can power pacemakers, reconnect damaged nerve tissues, while also interacting with real electronic device that could augment or stimulate organic function. But do not worry, for this is only step one of the long process of turning us all into Borg-like drones.


Inter-cellular wiring

The self-assembly process produces wires which are notably thinner than a human hair. They can be manufactured so small, in fact, that they could interact with individual cells. And therein lies significant potential for paralytics.

Researchers believe a procedure could eventually be developed whereby the severed portions of nerve fibers are reconnected with these new organic wires. Such patients could theoretically regain at least some of their former mobility, if not all of it, once the science is perfected and applied.

In fact, John D. Tovar, assistant professor, Department of Chemistry at Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, spoke of this very possibility. He said, "Can we use these materials to guide electrical current at the nanoscale? Can we use them to regulate cell-to-cell communication as a prelude to re-engineering neural networks or damaged spinal cords? These are the kinds of questions we are looking forward to being able to address and answer in the coming years."


The big prize

As Tovar indicates, perhaps the biggest benefit from this research is the mechanism which now exists. This team essentially overcame all of the problems associated with developing this kind of application. And now, they've presented unto the world what will be just another tool in a researcher's arsenal.

No longer will other scientists in other labs have to ponder over how they could create self-assembling wires for their needs. Now they can simply operate from within the mindset, "If we used their self-assembling wires here, then this new ability would be possible. Yes, it's all so clear now."


Summary

In short, with this powerful new ability added to the scientist's “toolbox,” now they can think in terms of the goal or destination rather than how to go about building the road to get there. Somebody else has done the hard work. And now, the application of the thing should quickly move to the realm of "Oh, how extremely beneficial. Thank you so much, doctor."

Resistance is futile

Oct 24, 2008 13:25     

You will be assemilated. You will serve the collective. :) Trekkie Fan. :)
TomLeeM/BigWarpGuy report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +5

wait what?

Oct 24, 2008 23:48     

Research chemists at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) have developed a WATER-SOLUBLE, organic, self-assembling electronic wire suitable for use inside the human body. water soluble? last time i checked human body was over 90% water...
Darkskyes report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

hmmmm...

Oct 24, 2008 23:58     

so that means that they are allowing any one to use this tech right or is this gonna be one of those "i have this but you can't use it unless you pay me" cus if so damn the world just might suck a little more
carlos report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

it was a comment out of film "voyager" ;)...

Oct 25, 2008 04:52     

it was a comment out of film "voyager" ;)
Lazy man report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Amazing

Oct 25, 2008 06:01     

This is truly an amazing breakthrough. Jiff www.anonymity.pro.tc
John Jones report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

@Darkskyes

Oct 25, 2008 08:23     

The materials used to create the wires are water-soluble until the point of their self-assembly. Once constructed, the wires are in a new insoluble form which persists inside the body.
Rick Hodgin report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +8

Free Xbox 360

Oct 25, 2008 22:00     

Wow that's crazy. I'd like to some more innovations come of out of this. http://free-xbox-360-elite-free.blogspot.com
Free Xbox 360 report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -2

Amazingly great

Oct 27, 2008 02:30     

This is good, if only they could fix my damaged nerve wires while I'm still young for ms has shot my system..
Sylvia report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +2

@Sylvia - Promising new MS drug

Oct 27, 2008 07:36     

I read an article last week about a recently discovered way to potentially reverse MS: "Leukaemia drug can halt, reverse MS" http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081023/ts_afp/britainscienceresearch LONDON (AFP) – Researchers at the University of Cambridge said Thursday they have found that a drug originally developed to treat leukaemia can halt and even reverse the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis (MS). In trials, alemtuzumab reduced the number of attacks in sufferers and also helped them recover lost functions, apparently allowing damaged brain tissue to repair so that individuals were less disabled than at the start of the study. "The ability of an MS drug to promote brain repair is unprecedented," said Dr Alasdair Coles, a lecturer at Cambridge university's department of clinical neurosciences, who coordinated many aspects of the study. [continues, follow link above]

Rick Hodgin report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

Synbio rocks

Oct 27, 2008 10:49     

Probably 100 years ago electronics was exactly felt like these synbio advancements amazing ppl around today.
Mat report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Too many coincidences....

Mar 15, 2009 15:35     

This, morgellons, genetically engineered nematodes that have a symbiotic relationship with fiber producing chemically enhanced bacteria used in agriculture, enhanced viruses sprayed on deli meats, ShamWow.... really its all too much.
Keri report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0