Neurotechnology

Neurotechnology

Neurotechnology[88] provides algorithms and software development products for biometric fingerprint, face, iris, voice and palm print recognition, computer-based vision and object recognition to security companies, system integrators and hardware manufacturers. With a combination of fast algorithms and high reliability, company’s fingerprints, face, eye iris and voice biometric technologies can be used for access control, computer security, banking, time attendance control and law enforcement applications, among others. They are revolutionizing the world of medicine by adding technology which in some cases is digital, scalable and relatively inexpensive. Some examples include:

1.     Big Data-enhanced diagnostics and treatments: brain readings allow better discernment of proper diagnoses and treatments based on the efficacy of treatments.

2.     Brain-computer Interfaces for device control: BCIs link commands of our thoughts to the devices of the world.

3.     Real-time neuromonitoring (plus robotic aids): systems are developed to actively monitor brain activity and respond in real-time with appropriate treatments. 

4.     Neurosensor-based vehicle operator systems: systems employing neural detection devices to monitor vehicle operator alertness and take preventative measures with driver stimulation or vehicle/autopilot shutdown systems.

5.     Cognitive training videogames: software applications accesible online and via mobile devices include gaming systems that target specific cognitive and/or emotional systems of the brain.

6.     Brain-responsive computing systems: with so much information, human attention is becoming a scarce commodity. Tech companies are patenting systems to improve productivity and worker output.

7.     Virtual Reality treatments: virtual reality can be used in phobias through exposure therapy, or assisting surgeons in the operating room.

8.     “Mindful” wearables: wearables are being designed to improve not just physical health but mental well-being as well.

9.     Collaborative cognitive simulations: these systems focus on improving learning and skill acquisition across the extended workforce through online interactive platforms and cognitive simulation models.

10. Electrical and magnetic brain stimulation: these technologies can influence brain activity via magnetic fields or electrical impulses, and they are becoming increasingly common. Nanotechnology[89] is the manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale. The earliest definition refers to the goal of precisely manipulating atoms and molecules for fabrication of macroscale products, also referred to as molecular nanotechnology. A more generalized description of nanotechnology defines it as a manipulation of matter with at least one dimension sized from 1 to 100 nano-meters. Nanotechnology will be able to create new materials and devices with a vast range of applications, such as in nanomedicine, nano-electronics, biomaterials energy production, and consumer products.  It is focused on small machines able to do manufacturing operations, starting with molecular building blocks combining with larger pieces and finally atomically precise products. Nanotechnology as defined by size is naturally very broad, including fields of science as diverse as surface science, organic chemistry, molecular biology, semiconductor physics, microfabrication, etc. The associated research and application are equally diverse, ranging from extensions of conventional device physics to completely new approaches based upon molecular self-assembly, from developing new materials with dimensions on the nanoscale to direct control of matter on the atomic scale. Some of it’s amazing applications include:

1.     Medicine: researchers are developing customized nanoparticles the size of molecules that can deliver drugs directly to diseased cells in your body. This method reduces the damage treatment such as chemotherapy.

2.     Electronics: improvement display screens on electronic devices. Increasing the density of memory chips. Reducing the size of transistors used in integrated circuits.

3.     Food: storage bins are being produced with silver nanoparticles embedded in the plastic. Used to provide as a barrier to gasses in bottles, cartons and packaging films.

4.     Fuel Cells: companies are using nanoparticles of platinum to reduce the amount of platinum needed, or using nanoparticles of other materials to replace platinum entirely and thereby lower costs.

5.     Solar Cells: nanoparticles in the manufacture of solar cells has benefits such as reduction of manufacturing costs, reduced installation costs, etc.

6.     Batteries: companies are currently developing batteries using nanomaterials, which can be recharged significantly faster than conventional batteries.

7.      Space: advancements in nanomaterials make lightweight spacecraft and a cable for the space elevator possible. By reducing the amount of rocket fuel required, this will lower the cost of reaching orbit and travelling space.

8.     Fuels: it addresses the shortage of fossil fuels such as diesel and gasoline by making the production of fuels from low grade raw materials economical, increasing the mileage of engines, making the production of fuels from normal raw materials more efficient.

9.     Better Air Quality: improves the performance of catalysts used to transform vapors escaping from cars or industrial plants into harmless gasses.

10. Cleaner Water: Nanoparticles can be used to convert the contaminating chemical through a chemical reaction to make it harmless.

11. Chemical Sensors: nanotechnology can enable sensors to detect very small amounts of chemical vapors.

12. Sporting Goods: applications in sports arena include increasing the strength of tennis racquets, filling imperfections in club shaft materials and reducing the rate at which leaks from tennis balls.

13. Fabric: making composite fabric with nano-sized particles of fibers allows improvement of fabric properties without a significant increase in weight, thickness, or stiffness. The human being has always been fascinated with space exploration. But the micro-universe represents another universe in itself. We are small compared to a whale, but huge compared to an ant. A butterfly lives only 24 hours, while we average 80 years old, and turtles live up to 150 years. Nanotechnology applies microscopic technology to increase efficiency and make technology smarter.

Neurotechnology is oriented to using data and technology in the world of medicine. Both offer tremendous advances that will revolutionize industry as we know it. These developments will take time, but will eventually happen. To which degree is hard to tell. One thing is for sure, the exponentiality of Revolution 4.0 is bringing such huge advances that the landscape of industrial development and the world of medicine will look totally different, over the NeXT 20 years.