CYBORN
CYBORN
05 07 09
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UP IN ARMS
PULLING YOUR LEG
KEEPING A STRAIGHT FACE
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HANDY TECHNOLOGY
BACK TO VIRTUAL REALITY
AN EYE FOR AN EYE
CONTENTS
21 23 25 27 SEE YOU IN THE DARK
EYEDENTIDYE YOURSELF
GRABBING BY THE HORNS
TAKE TO THE SKIES
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STEELING YOURSELF
A WAR OF WORLDS
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reliance
CYBORN
UP IN ARMS
Replacing of a limb with a prosthesis is not something recent to medicine and science, limb or body part replacements have been around for far longer. Found in the early naughties were the mummified remains of an Egyptian Noblewomen (dating back to the era of The New Kingdom of Egypt, 3000 years ago) with a false big toe strapped to her foot. To science this proves that prosthesis were being used for several hundred years more then previously known.
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In the time span it has taken prosthetic legs to develop arms saw equal developments and innovations. Returning to the Roman Empire and Dark Ages, artificial hands had little function. They only had a small range of possibility. Holding a shield was the most that could be asked of for the prosthesis at this time. As we proceed through the centuries we are introduced to the most famous of all artificial hands, the hook. Jump again into the Renaissance hands were given more flexibility but were still only just able to be posed in place to hold an object lightly. Articulation of the fingers has been a challenge for prosthetic hands, in comparison
to legs and feet. Feet don’t move much when you step, the majority of a walk cycle is done by the hip, knee and ankle. The foot only supplies kinetic energy storage as the ankle to spring forward in the push off the toes. The hand needs 14 elbow joints to make up each knuckle on one hand alone. Through the 20th century as a result of both World Wars advancements were made to increase the number of articulation points and the strength of which that could grip onto something. In the media we have seen a varying number of attempts at modern artificial arms but it has only been in the last 20 years that we have seen small steps towards a robotic hand alike the ones we see in science fiction movies.
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CYBORN
PULLING YOUR LEG
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History has shown a shifting tide of developments in prosthetic replacements. Crowned teeth have been around since the Roman Empire and have only changed materials in the last 2000 years. For prosthetic arms and legs the development has been far more vigorous. False legs have been striding through the history books for the same amount of time as crowns. Unfortunately the legs created in the Dark Ages were far less practical then the modern equivalents. They were bulky, the major function of the prosthesis back then was to hide what was considered an ‘embarrassing deformity’. Move forward a few hundred years and the function of walking took over the design.
The Renaissance ushered in a new evolution, prior to this the pegleg was a common substitute, during this period the prosthetic leg gained the ability to bend where a normal leg could. Knee and ankle joints were added and we can thank Ambroise Paré as he was “the father of modern amputation surgery and prosthetic design.” For his time he seemed to be the only one who truly understood how a prosthesis should function. Modern artificial legs have taken from his inventions and improved upon them post World War I. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, Sir James Syme revolutionised the amputation surgery to became less severe which was welcoming and allowed for the possibility of walking more comfortably in their future. All of which has lead to the modern design of prosthesis and artificial legs.
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KEEPING A STRAIGHT FACE
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The last decade and a half, computers have become far easier to use and the programming has in turn allowed for developments to be created away from a laboratory or engineers' environment. As a result, we have seen a considerable decrease in the entry requirements for the 3D modelling due to computers processing power quadrupling in the last 10 years alone. Where it once took many people months to accurately recreate an approximation of a body part, it now can take a single person only several days or hours to do so. The only hindrance for an individual to make a prosthetic limb of their own is the access to a 3D printer and the most suitable materials. Scientist have taken this in their stride and have researched ways in which any small body part (like a nose or ear) could be rebuilt from the living cells of the individual. The idea came from the knowledge that certain cells reproduce rapidly, mainly skin cells.
One of the presently advanced methods for this is to build what is essentially a scaffold for the cells to grow around. The scaffold is made from an ink comprised of the chondrocytes cells which once attached to a body they begin to produce cartilage. Such a medical advancement is likely to change the lives of more then just burns and trauma victims, it will affect everyone. According to Paul Gatenholm, lead researcher at Wallenberd Wood Science Centre in the field of three-dimensional bio-printing stated it is “a disruptive technology and is expected to revolutionize tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.�
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LUXURY
CYBORN
HANDY TECHNOLOGY With the rapid advancement of technology and its multitude of uses, it is only a matter of time before it becomes integrated into our physical bodies. Already, there are those who engage in body modifications. Ranging from something as simple as magnetic fingertips that grant the ability to detect electromagnetic fields to implants that act as universal passwords, the ability to implant foreign objects into the human hand can be further expanded on in the near future. While the uses and possibilities for these implants are virtually limitless, something as simple as sensors can vastly alter the way in which we interact with the world around us. For example, these sensors can grant the ability to wirelessly control devices through specific gestures defined by a program or the user. Given that we could control aspects of our world by literally merely lifting a finger, the ability to adjust one’s immediate surroundings would become wonderfully convenient and effortless. Imagine adjusting the temperature of your home with a simple gesture or changing the channel on television with a couple of claps. The only time you’d need to get up would be for a bathroom break
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BACK TO VIRTUAL REALITY Imagine a world where your vitals are constantly monitored and managed with the help of sensory systems embedded within your central nervous system. What if you could then turn your entire body into a giant gaming controller? With scientists working on biotech tattoos that track your fitness through conductive materials and sensors, the future could see us embedding these trackers under our skin, or even deeper. Blessed with the ability to read the body and have programs that develop ideal fitness regimes and dietary plans based on your individual requirements, you wouldn’t need to hire a personal trainer ever again Assuming you follow these regimens and recommended eating habits that is. Moreover, given that information about your body is always at hand, doctors would have a much easier time discerning any problems you may (or may not) have. With this kind of information fed into a computer, you could then turn your entire body into a giant gaming controller. Paired with a virtual reality headset, you wouldn’t have to hold clunky controllers while trying to move freely. ou could even choose to artificially simulate virtual sensations within the game by triggering certain nerves. Haven’t you ever wondered what it feels like to be stabbed in the stomach or maybe to lose a limb or three ou could experience all the pain without any of the permanent damage (hopefully).
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CYBORN
AN EYE FOR AN EYE Close your eyes. What do you see? Nothing? How boring. Wouldn’t it be great if your eyes were more… you know… useful? Well, contact lenses that give overlays of maps and news are great and all but it’s annoying to have to put them in every morning when you wake up. That doesn’t make such lens, I mean, sense right Why not just implant it in your eyes directly What if you could have a constant overlay that kept you informed of your surroundings That person over there is a national criminal. Perhaps you want to read the news without having to bother holding a silly contraption or worse, actual paper, in your hand Watch a movie or catch up on your favourite shows on the go without people trying to peek over your shoulder How about projecting from your eyes Show off your thoughts and imagination with some holograms firing out of your face. ou’d never have to fiddle with a USB or a computer you’re not familiar with for a presentation again Add a lens and you could record everything you see from a whole new perspective Perhaps you want to connect it to a communications module. Have an actual eye phone. Swap visuals with people all over the world. See all the wonders of the Earth and maybe even space without ever leaving the comfort of your own home Conversely, share your holiday experiences in an entirely new format our parents can’t nag you anymore if you’re streaming your whole 3 day road trip directly to them 24 7, right
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vanity
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SEE YOU IN THE DARK
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Imagine a world where cybernetic and bionic augmentations are the standard for our exponentially advancing technologically driven society. Imagine that you could get augmentations with the power to be more than convenience to be fun and superficial. After all, wouldn’t you want to improve your human form and advance like evolution always intended Survival of the fittest doesn’t have to mean monotonous and repetitive societal conforming aesthetics, however.
With this in mind, what would you get? The ability to see in the dark? The ability to manipulate your appearance at the slightest whim? What about the ability to fly?
Ever wanted to see in the dark without having to wait for your biological eyes to adjust Night vision contact lenses can do just that through the use of graphene technology. These lenses function as normal contacts in daylight but upon entering darkly lit places to complete darkness, expect to be able to see everything in perfect clarity. haohui hong, assistant professor of electrical engineering at the University of Michigan heads the development of this revolutionary technology. It allows for light to be detected in a completely new way as graphene is capable of detecting the entire infrared spectrum both ultraviolet and visible wavelengths of light at room temperature and at a miniscule degree. No cooling systems required unlike outdated night vision systems and the capacity to create smaller units such as contact lenses.
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CYBORN
EYEDENTIFY YOURSELF
Ever wanted to have violet eyes Red Silver Rainbow coloured irises These synthetic sclera and iris implants take a giant step further from tattooed scleras and gives you the freedom to change your mind whenever you want, wherever you want. Going to a rave Use the accompanying microchip and software to turn your eyes into a fluoro wonderland with synchronised settings around your environment. Want to let a special someone know how you feel about them without having to say it These implants will allow for patterns, shapes and small words to be displayed across them. No more hassle of removing contact lenses in time or struggling to find the right style for you. With these synthetic augmentations, you’ll always find the right style.
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NEW HAIR NEW YOU Ever wanted to dye your hair a highly unconventional colour but feared the bleaching process or commitment Or wanted a hairstyle too daring that you weren’t prepared to wait the arduous months after to regrow your hair Well you’ll soon be able to do just that without any fears or worries in the world. ou’ll be able to dye your hair free of any lasting damage, shave an undercut, or anything else you’ve been too apprehensive to try and wear it within minutes. If you don’t like the look, your synthetic scalp will allow you to regrow, redye and even revert back to the original hairstyle you had in just as much time. In fact, with a microchip embedded into your synthetic scalp, you can use various app software to customise or achieve the hairstyle of your dreams.
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CYBORN
GRABBING BY THE HORNS Perhaps this is more your style Body modifications and body augmentations go hand in hand so it’s only natural to be interested in something like cyber-transdermal mods. Horns that also double as a wifi hotspot, or powerful speakers synchronised to music apps. Fangs, cat ears, even shifting tattoos. The possibilities are endless when it comes to upgrading your body modification to the next generation of high tech, cyber gear.
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TAKE TO THE SKIES Wings are not only practical in an overcrowded civilisation but also a sign of humankind evolving beyond walking on two legs and inventing the first computer system. With cybernetic wings, you would be powerful, in control of your own life free. Wouldn’t you like to be free from the monotonous pressures of society A powerful status symbol as well as a symbol of your identity, augmented wings are the ultimate addition to your bionic body.
If you had the opportunity to surpass humankind, and to become more than human, wouldn’t you take it?
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ETERNITY
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STEELING YOURSELF We as humans will have developed technology to extraordinary lengths that in fifty years the very first robotic vessel will be made and used. This will mean that we as a species will finally be able to outlive death itself. Scientists around the world will have worked hours into the development of the robotic bodies and trying to find the key to make a person live outside of their own bodies and in the new robotic body. It will take years for scientists to figure out how to keep a person living beyond their body and time, but after countless of experiments with animals, the first robotic person will walk amongst us. The big question will be who will be the first person to receive the first human transplant into the new body Will it be a scientist who worked countless hours perfecting the process Will it be someone who deserves a second chance at life Or will it be someone who could afford to pay for it And of course will it work There would have been countless failed trails with animals, but after a string of many successful transplants the first human transfer to robotic body will begin the countless more transfers of new bodies. Why would one give up their mortal body for a steal body of technology The answer is simple, immortality. No longer will we as a species have to worry about growing old, catching life threatening diseases and above all We will finally have cheated death at its own game. For Humanity will live forever and beyond our own planet.
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The Uncanny Valley is when robots get close to be human-like and people develop a sense of unease and discomfort. - Lay 2015
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As the years go on and more people become robots, riots and protests will start to occur. Why you ask? Because people begin to think we have taken technology too far. But the question is Have we Has been able to live forever changed how people think and behave in the world of the future There are two sides to everything story, two side for every argument. And this one is no different. It should be pointed out that as the resources for making the robot bodies become harder to find, the making of the bodies become more expensive so only those with enough money to afford the robot bodies will receive the bodies. As well as this, there are so many people from fifty or so years from the past living in this future they do have more of a say with how the world is run. This does not sit well with those who don’t possess a robot body. And because the robotic bodies are top priority on everyone’s list to keep check, the diseases that once were mere sicknesses have evolved and have started killing people off as no one is paying no mind to the illnesses of the old bodies but instead keeping the new ones in check. However, on the other side, people say those who are in robotic bodies have kept the planet safe and sound for many years. The bodies are not given out to anyone but to people who deserve them and who can keep the planet safe for all. As well as this they believe they are better equip to deal with anything the planet or universe can throw their way. Their bodies do not feel the cold, the heat and cannot be damaged by nature itself. They have cheated death and the grasp of Mother Nature, they deserve to keep everyone in line. But is any of this right Do we deserve to live past our expiry date Do some of us deserve these bodies over others Is it right to live forever How does that change us over time Are we still human if we can live forever There is no answer now for these questions But time will tell if we truly deserve to live forever.
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A WAR OF WORLDS
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CYBORN Clements, I. P. (2008). How prosthetic limbs work. HowStuffWorks.com. Retrieved from http://science. howstuffworks.com/prosthetic-limb1.htm. Khan, F. (2016). Researchers discover how to 3D print ear, nose and knee cartilage. TechRadar. Retrieved from http://www. techradar.com/news/world-of-tech/researchers-discover-howto-3d-print-ear-nose-and-knee-cartilage-1317089.
JOSH TURNER
Marshall, J. (2015). The history of prosthetics. UNYQ. Retrieved from http://unyq.com/the-history-of-prosthetics. Millsaps, B. B. (2016). Swedish researchers successfully make 3D printed scaffolding for cartilage regrowth in humans. 3DPrint.com. Retrieved from https://3dprint.com/125300/ swedish-3d-printed-cartilage. Norton, K. M. (2007). A brief history of prosthetics. inMotion, 17(7), 11–13. Retrieved from http://www.amputee-coalition.org/ resources/a-brief-history-of-prosthetics. Park, W. (2015). The geniuses who invented prosthetic limbs. BBC. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/future/ story/20151030-the-geniuses-who-invented-prosthetic-limbs.
Firger, J. (2013). The brave new world of biohacking. Al Jazeera America. Retrieved from http://america.aljazeera.com/ articles/2013/10/18/the-brave-new-worldofbiohacking.html.
ADELINE YAP
Karten, S. (2010). Will smart contact lenses be the Bluetooth headsets of the future. Fast Company. Retrieved from http:// www.fastcompany.com/1623012/will-smart-contact-lenses-bebluetooth-headsets-future. Kender, D. (2014). Implantable technology will get under our skin. USA Today. Retrieved from http://www.usatoday.com/ story/tech/reviewed-com/2014/03/27/implantable-tech-is-thenext-wave/6914363. Monks, K. (2014). Forget wearable tech, embeddable implants are already here. CNN. Retrieved from http://edition.cnn. com/2014/04/08/tech/forget-wearable-tech-embeddableimplants. Reynolds, E. (2015). How biotech tattoos will turn you into a quantifiable canvas. Wired. Retrieved from http://www.wired. co.uk/article/biotech-tattoos-biowearable.
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REFERENCES
Cathy. (2014). Contact lens to see in the dark. Optical Vision Resources. Retrieved from http://opticalvisionresources.com/ contact-lens-to-see-in-the-dark.
VINITA VISWANATHAN
Cobb, D. (2014). Graphene contact lenses let you see in the dark. nanotechportal. Retrieved from http://nanotechportal. blogspot.com.au/2014/05/graphene-contact-lenses-let-yousee-in.html. Yue, T. (2014). Night vision contacts. SlipperyBrick. Retrieved from http://www.slipperybrick.com/2014/04/night-visioncontacts.
Lay, S. (2015). Uncanny valley: why we find human-like robots and dolls so creepy. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www. theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/nov/13/robots-humanuncanny-valley.
KARLA MIRFIN
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