A chain reaction similar to how some eels generate electricity could be used in a novel biomedical way to stimulate cells in the human body, researchers at the University of Oxford said.
Research published Tuesday in the journal Nature shows scientists have developed a tiny type of battery that could be used to power devices embedded into human tissue. Inspired by the series of reactions in electric eels, scientists used a salt gradient to create a small current, at the nano scale.
"The miniaturized soft power source represents a breakthrough in bio-integrated devices," explained Yujia Zhang, the lead researcher and a member of the chemistry department at Oxford, said in a news release.
"By harnessing ion gradients, we have developed a miniature, biocompatible system for regulating cells and tissues on the microscale, which opens up a wide range of potential applications in biology and medicine."
In their study, researchers placed tiny droplets with various salt levels on a type of conductive gel, attaching the end drop to electrodes that allows the entire medium to act as a power source for external components.
Power is controlled by varying the temperature, which effects the chain reaction along the gradient. These mini batteries regulated the activity in human neurons. Scientists believe this could be used in everything from targeted drug therapies to improved wound healing.
Up until now, researchers said there's be no way to efficiently power embedded devices at the micro level.
"This work addresses the important question of how stimulation produced by soft, biocompatible devices can be coupled with living cells," Oxford chemist Hagan Bayley added. "The potential impact on devices including bio-hybrid interfaces, implants and microrobots is substantial."
Artificial Intelligence Analysis
Defense Industry Analyst:
8/10.
This article provides a promising new development in the defense industry with regards to powering devices embedded into human tissue. This research could have significant implications for the development of bio-hybrid interfaces, implants and microrobots, in addition to targeted drug therapies and improved wound healing. Additionally, the research highlights the potential of electric eels as a source of inspiration in the field of biomedical engineering.
Stock Market Analyst:
5/10.
While this article provides an interesting development in the defense industry, it does not have a direct impact on stock markets. However, it could be worth monitoring the progress of this research and its potential applications in the defense industry, as any breakthroughs could have a significant impact on stock values.
General Industry Analyst:
7/10.
This article provides insight into a promising new development in the defense industry, which could have significant implications for the development of bio-hybrid interfaces, implants, and microrobots. Additionally, the research highlights the potential of electric eels as a source of inspiration in the field of biomedical engineering.
Analyst Summary
:
This article discusses a novel development in the defense industry involving the use of a chain reaction similar to that of electric eels to power devices embedded into human tissue. This research could have significant implications for the development of bio-hybrid interfaces, implants and microrobots, in addition to targeted drug therapies and improved wound healing. Additionally, the research highlights the potential of electric eels as a source of inspiration in the field of biomedical engineering. This development is particularly noteworthy as it provides a new way to efficiently power embedded devices at the micro level.
The article is highly relevant to the defense industry as it provides a promising new development that has the potential to revolutionize the field. Over the past 25 years, there have been significant advancements in the field of biomedical engineering as technology has become increasingly advanced. This article is consistent with this trend, as it explores the potential of electric eels as a source of inspiration to develop innovative biomedical solutions.
Investigative
Question:
- 1. What other potential applications could this research have in the defense industry?
- 2. How has the advancement of technology in the past 25 years contributed to this development?
- 3.
What challenges are associated with powering embedded devices at the micro level?4. How could this research impact other fields such as medicine and engineering?
5. What other sources of inspiration can researchers draw from to develop innovative biomedical solutions?
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