The Scientific and Social Impact of bio-nanotechnology
LectureSerie of Studium Generale ism Alchimica (nr. 3)
Is the Future for Cyborgs and Bionic Humans?
Neurotechnology: interfacing with the neural system.
Prof. Dr. Wim L.C. Rutten, Neurotechnology, TwenteUniversity
Summary (lecture is in the English language)
In the past 30 years big steps have been made in the understanding, improvement and demonstration of large scale selective micro simulations of nerves and nerve cells. Many, often spectacular, patient applications were tried out with various levels of success.
In this lecture Wim Rutten will explain (1) the physiology of the contacts between electrodes and neural tissue, (2) the way the selectivity of these contacts is improved with micro- and nanotechnology, and (3) the possibilities for the recovery of human (patient’s) functions. He will especially focus on processes of cell adhesion, cultured probes, cultured networks, intelligent (brain-computer) interfaces and training of in-vitro networks. Finally, the contribution of results of neurotechnological research for applications in clinical neuroprothese will be discussed. Why are some applications not yet successful? Which ones should be further developed and why?
-----
Next lecture (nr. 4) is on Tuesday May 8 by Prof. Menno W.J. Prins (Philips Research and TU Eindhoven) on Biosensors – From Molecule to System