Rebuilding humans using bionics

Glossary

bionics. The study of biological systems as a basis for developing mechanical and electronic technology (eg, for robot development or replacing body parts).

biotechnology. Technology that relies on biological organisms or processes to produce useful products. Includes fields such as bionics, bioengineering, fermentation (eg, in brewing or baking) and production of hormones for medical use (eg, insulin).

brain pacemaker. A device which sends electrical impulses to brain tissue in order to treat or prevent diseases such as depression, epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.

deep brain stimulation. Treatment that involves the use of a brain pacemaker to electrically stimulate particular areas deep within the brain. Deep brain stimulation is used to treat conditions such as depression and Parkinson’s disease. For more information see How deep-brain stimulation works (Time Magazine, USA).

electrode array. A series of electrodes which conduct electricity. An electrode can be used to deliver electricity to the body or to receive electricity from it. Delivering electricity to the body is used to stimulate; receiving electricity from the body can be used to detect and record signals.

With the multi-channel cochlear implant, electrodes are used to stimulate the cochlea by delivering electricity to it. There are 22 electrodes at different positions along the implant so that it is possible to stimulate many different sites. When the implant is inserted into the cochlea, the 22 electrodes allow auditory nerve fibres at different sites from the base of the cochlea to its apex to be stimulated selectively, thus enhancing the ability of the patient to distinguish different frequencies of sound.

hydraulics. The study or use of the mechanical properties of liquids. In engineering, systems involving liquids may be used to operate machinery such as in hydraulic cylinders. In a bionic limb a hydraulic system can be used to improve movement control.

left ventricle. One of four chambers of the heart. The left ventricle is the lower, left chamber that is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood through the aorta to the body. It has thick muscular walls to enable it to pump blood at a higher pressure to the body.

macular degeneration. A disease that causes a loss of central vision due to damage to the central area (macula) of the retina. Macular degeneration is believed to be caused by environmental and genetic factors and is more common in older people.

nanometre (nm). One-millionth of a millimetre (or one-billionth of a metre). This is the scale at which we measure atoms and molecules. For example, ten hydrogen atoms laid side by side measure a nanometre across, and a pin head is around a million nanometres wide. The 'machines' inside our cells and the molecular constructions they put together are measured in nanometres.

nanotechnology. Engineering at the molecular or atomic level. It’s about manipulating matter over the scale of 1 to 100 nanometres. Nanotechnology is used in a range of applications from nanoscale electrodes and water filters to nanopowders for sunscreen and cosmetics.

nanotubes. Extremely small tubes, usually made from carbon. For more information see IPE nanotube primer (Institut de Physique des Nanostructures, Switzerland).

retina. The light sensing inner lining at the back of the eye. Images focused by the lens onto the retina are converted to nerve impulses and sent via the optic nerve to the brain.

retinitis pigmentosa. An inherited disease that is caused by abnormal pigmentation of the retina. The disease is progressive, starting with problems with night vision, followed by loss of peripheral vision and sometimes ending with complete blindness.

External sites are not endorsed by the Australian Academy of Science.
Posted May 2010, edited August 2012.