Human-Machine Transistor

Bland, Eric. "Part-Human, Part-Machine Transistor Devised: By embedding a nano-sized transistor inside a cell-like membrane, scientists link humans and machines more intimately than ever." Discovery News, Wednesday, 2 June 2010. 

THE GIST: Scientists embedded a biologically powered transistor inside a cell membrane. The device is the most intimate binding of man and machine yet achieved. The research could lead to new man-machine interfaces.

Bland asserts that "Man and machine can now be linked more intimately than ever," citing "a new article in the journal ACS Nano Letters." Aleksandr Noy of the University of California at Merced, and a colleague (or colleagues) "have embedded a nano-sized transistor inside a cell-like membrane and powered it using the cell's own fuel." Among other possibilities, "The research could lead to new types of man-machine interactions where embedded devices could relay information about the inner workings of disease-related proteins inside the cell membrane, and eventually lead to new ways to read, and even influence, brain or nerve cells."

Background