Image that was controlled via Kinect during operation. (via Microsoft)

The Kinect imaging sensor has been used in some technically innovative projects such as Queen’s University’s 3D video conferencing system to Microsoft’s own augmented reality MirageTable. It’s even found its way into the medical field with a recent successful operation involving the repair of an aneurism at Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospital in London.

Surgeons involved in complex operations occasionally need to refer to reference material to help them through certain procedures. This is typically done by using an assistant to bring up the materials on a laptop so the doctor can remain at the operating table without having to waste time re-scrubbing because of contamination. This is where a new 3D imaging system that was developed by Microsoft Research Cambridge with Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospital can be invaluable as it was used for the first time by assistant surgeon Tom Carrell to perform heart surgery.

Promotional image of the Kinect during surgery. (via Microsoft & St. Thomas' Hospital)

The system was used to compare a 3D model of an aorta with a live-feed 2D image of the patient's by using a fluoroscopic x-ray camera to help Carrell navigate through the delicate procedure. The 3D model could also be manipulated through a series of minimal gestures that include the ability to rotate the image using the palm of your hand and placing a marker simply by pointing and using a voice command. These simple gestures can be performed using only one hand leaving the other to continue the surgery while others, such as panning, rotating or zooming in/out need the use of both hands. Not only can the system be used in confined spaces commonly found in operating theaters, it also saves valuable time in eliminating the need to take a break to consult reference material.

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(Left) Implant behind eye. (Right) Retinal scan showing the sensor chip in place. (via University of Oxford)

Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, the first symptom was night blindness. A few years later, vision was drastically reduced. Finally, another disease brought complete blindness in the left eye and the inability to distinguish light on the right. Chris James, a fifty-four year old council worker in Wiltshire U.K., had his life completely changed by his complications. He said, "It’s something you have to come to terms with and make the best of what you’ve got."

Chris James's new eye was switched on for the first time. The digital circuits flood with electricity. James could see light against a black background for the first time in decades. The retinal implants were a success. "As soon as I had this flash in my eye, this confirmed that my optic nerves are functioning properly which is a really promising sign. It was like someone taking a photo with a flashbulb, a pulsating light, I recognized it instantly."

Chris James was one of the first patients (along with Robin Millar, a 60 year old music producer) suffering from retinitis pigmentosa to receive retinal implanted circuitry to detect light and images from a collaboration between the University of Oxford (UO) and the company "Retina Implants" form Germany. A team led by ophthalmology professor Robert MacLaren were able to help the patients regain some semblance of vision. As the patients continue to use the implants, their vision continues to improve. Currently, the patients can see light differences and basic shapes.

X-ray image of the complete system installed into Chris James. (via University of Oxford)

The implant is a 3mm square chip containing 1,500 light sensitive diodes. The chip is attached to the back of the eye where a signal can be sent between electrodes and the patient's optical nerves. The system is powered by an implanted power supply buried behind the ear, similar to some cochlear devices. Professor MacLaren explained that the sensor will "stimulate the overlying nerves to create a pixellated image." He continued, "Apart from a hearing aid like device behind the ear, you would not know a patient had one implanted.  We are all delighted with these initial results. The vision is different to normal , and it requires a different type of brain processing. We hope, however, that the electronic chips will provide independence for many people who are blind from retinitis pigmentosa."

The U.K based trials will continue with 12 patients overall thanks to funding from the National Institute of Health Research and the Oxford Biomedical Research Centre.

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(repost)

(Left) Concept of the system (Right) Drawing of the MEMS generator (Via Purdue University)

A new medical pressure sensitive implant, microelectromechanical system (MEMS), is out that uses sound as a power source. This MEMS device is a sensor that monitors the pressure of the urinary ladder and in the sack of blood vessel damages by an aneurism. Purdue University researches invented the MEMS to one day treat people with aneurism or incontinence due to paralysis patients.

The MEMS device uses a vibrating cantilever that is connected to the bottom of the heart by a thin. The cantilever vibrates when music is within the range of frequencies of 200-500 hertz. When the cantilever vibrates it generates electricity, and that charge is stored in a small onboard supercapacitor. When the frequency falls out of the useful range, the cantilever stops vibrating and will automatically send the electrical charge to the sensor. At the same time, the system will take the pressure readings and transmits the data wirelessly.

MEMS generator (via Purdue University)

The cantilever beam is a ceramic based lead zirconate titante material, a piezoelectric (PZT)element. The sensor is about two centimeters long. Researcher even tested the device in a water-filled balloon to see if still worked, and the test was a success. To get this device powered you can use batteries or an external transmitter.

The four genres tested with the MEMS were rap, blues, jazz, and rock. Among the four genres of music tested, rap rise above all when being the most effective. "Rap is the best because it contains a lot of low frequency sound, notably the bass," Purdue professor Babak Ziaie said. In rap, the vulgar words and the deep bass are put together for the listener to understand the true power of the message, which does not give the rap genre the best reputation. Soon, doctors using the device will understand the true power of Tupac songs.

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The biological logic gate Via Professor Kitney

This is a Re-Post from the DIT Blog.

An AND logic gate made from Escherichia Coli (E.Coli) and DNA was made at the Imperial College London, demonstrating the much hypothesized concept of the biological computer. The experiment also showed how several of these gates can be connected to for other more complex forms, such as a NAND. The foundation is set, in-body biological computing is close.

Co-author of the paper, Professor Richard Kitney explained the concept further, "Logic gates are the fundamental building blocks in silicon circuitry that our entire digital age is based on. Without them, we could not process digital information. Now that we have demonstrated that we can replicate these parts using bacteria and DNA, we hope that our work could lead to a new generation of biological processors, whose applications in information processing could be as important as their electronic equivalents.”

The development team stated that their vision will lead such biological computers to searching out the body's ailments and handling them accordingly. For example, using a bio-circuit to find cancer cells and destroy them. In the meantime, the group is looking into building more complex organizations of the gates. 

I can only imagine a 1-trillion gate biological processor would be too large to move through the blood stream. I am more curious about how the team will tackle that obstacle. 

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