3 Ways Technology Improves Basic Human Function

Current technology does a fairly good job of allowing the handicapped to get around. Prosthetics, hearing aids, etc. There are many ways that people can live nearly normal lives.

However, there are those that don't want to settle for just normal. If the technology that we are using allows us to walk, and since technology continues to improve, why choose to stop there? Why not walk better than everyone else? The following are technologies that make our bodies better than nature may have ever intended.

1. Prosthetic legs

The athletes who no longer have use of there legs have been fitted with carbon fiber made Cheetah Flex Feet, a.k.a blades. These are specifically made for intense, high-impact use on the track. Runners with these j-shaped legs are not subject to the same restrictions of fatigue as others.

Oscar Pistorius is an amputee who competed, and was later banned, from the Olympics. His prosthetics allowed him to take much longer strides and used 1/4 less energy compared to other runners.

2. The Blind

Blindness, for many it is a fate worse than death. Fear not however, thanks to science, we will have something close to Terminator-style vision. With Virtual Retinal Displays, a device can project an image through whatever portion of your eye is still intact. Eventually, it will be possible to connect to the optic nerve, in the event your whole eye is destroyed.

The display given to you by this implant will actually be brighter and sharper than natural eyes, and can even reduce the amount of glare. Additionally, this technology can provide an overlay of information about whatever you are seeing. Think of the possibilities! In case you see a shady looking character in the street, this technology will be able to run an instant background check. Perhaps your watching a basketball game, this will be able to look up stats of your favorite player. Visual Retinal Displays today are being developed for mechanics and surgeons to assist them with work.

3. Skin

Perhaps you have trouble with your significant other and decide to spend the night feeding on nachos and tequila, until in a fit of frustration you try to off yourself with a cheese grater. Or perhaps, you are a burn victim or have a skin disorder. Whatever the case, skin grafts can help you recover.

Skin grafts, currently, either depend on using skin from somewhere else on your body or it has to come from a donor. Cultured skin changes this all.

These patches of skin are grown specifically for you, in a lab, exactly as you need it. Meaning, you will be growing new, young skin. Imagine the difference, it would be like choosing between a coat from a hobo or a brand, new leather jacket.