Biophysics Week 3: Bionics

The use of bionics to enhance the existence of human life raises some interesting questions.  In the case of life altering scenarios that to date, do not have effective solutions, I think its incredible to have options that patents can choose from.  For instance, the bionic pancreas to monitor blood sugar levels and administer appropriate leaves of insulin or glucagon could be a life-changing technology for diabetic individuals who struggle to maintain a steady blood sugar level.  A functional pancreas has a difficult and important job: one that for a non-diabetic is involuntary.  However, the stress of staying balanced without a functional pancreas can be debilitating, especially when one careless mistake could turn fatal. 

I also find validity in bionics, when they are used for strength building and recovery after an accident.  The “bionic suit” used with paralysis victims and MS patients could provide a segway from immobility to mobility, partly by way of energetically reintroducing the experience of movement.  My enthusiasm ends when I think of several things. 1) Limited access to bionic organs, limbs or strengthening suits because of cost 2) Bionics being used for the purpose of war 3) A Qi disruption with the presence of a bionic organ or limb 4) The prospect of full blown bionic humans.
A fellow classmate in Biology class a few weeks ago shared some exciting and terrifying research being uploading consciousness to provide a form of “immortality.”   If I am understanding correctly, the thought here is that if we can track the neuronal pathways of a particular brain and nervous system, then we can "upload" their personality.  I cool concept if you are watching a si-fi thriller.  But, as much as our brains have been compared to computers, they are not the same.  Even if scientists were able to map all the neurons over a broad span of experiences, there is so much to be missed.  What about how the Nervous system interacts with the rest of the system.  How about the impact of Qi as it meanders through the body, connecting parts to make a unique whole.  What about all the x-factors of being a human that simply cannot be seen or explained.  I fear much to be lost in this desire to be 'super' human.



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