Scientists from Columbia University have developed what could possibly be the world's first real cyborg technology. The breakthrough involved an electronic chip that successfully combined living and non-living components.
The "cyborg chip" is composed of a solid-state complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) integrated circuit with an artificial lipid bilayer membrane made of ATP-powered ion pumps, the Daily Mail reported. The biochip is said to demonstrate a capability to experience senses such as taste and smell, despite its electronic components.
"In combining a biological electronic device with CMOS, we will be able to create new systems not possible with either technology alone," Ken Shepard, lead researcher of the breakthrough technology, said in an official statement. "We are excited at the prospect of expanding the palette of active devices that will have new functions, such as harvesting energy from ATP, as was done here, or recognizing specific molecules, giving chips the potential to taste and smell."
The ability to replicate certain sensory functions sets the biochip apart from previously developed cyborg technologies. For instance, there is the "Cyborg Rose," which integrates electronic parts and plant systems into an electronic circuit, as HNGN previously reported. There is also the case of Neil Harbisson, who is touted as the first legally recognized cyborg after he had an antenna implanted into his skull, The Huffington Post reported.
