Bringing computers and humans nearer

Human and computer hybrids have always been a theoretical likelihood, but not a real possibility. The two new improvements in producing human-computer hybrids are getting this nearer. Biological transistors and skin-based touchpads have now been developed and even tested.

Development of transistors

In a paper released in the journal Nature Communications, the Imperial University in London announced that a team had created biological transistor gates. DNA alterations on E.Coli infections created logic transistors that are able to open or close depending on a true-false electrical signal -- the basis of binary code. The E.Coli infections used to create these transistors are all normally discovered in the human digestive system and would in theory be suitable for the human body.

Put on a tough screen

In a combined effort, Microsoft Research and Carnegie Mellon University have declared that a wearable touchscreen has been created. There is a laser projector in the machine. It also utilizes cameras that can sense depth. Hand and finger movement can be sensed by the device which projects a touch screen on all surfaces, including skin. With the engineering, anything can be a keyboard. Anything could be a touchscreen too. The system right now is worn on the shoulder. The OmniTouch system can project onto almost anything. Currently, it is too large to be sold. It will be shrunk soon.

Future developments

It is more likely that biologically compatible computer systems will exist as shown by these breakthroughs and many others. It would be much better to have programmable, biologically neutral computers to help do diagnostics, which is why medical science is very interested. This will most likely be the first area these developments are used, although it certainly will not be the last. Truly usable, commercial biological computer systems are likely to be years, if not decades away. These advancements, however, are two major steps toward the reality.

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