Trendopoly — February 17, 2007 — Science
References: blog.wired
Currently being tested in cats, scientists are working on neural implants called 'microstimulators' that will allow people with spinal-cord injuries to control their bladder function. These implants will give warnings when the bladder is getting full and will also allow patients to decide when they will urinate.
Although still under development, this breakthrough gives hope to those who have suffered a spinal-cord injury, as it will put them one step closer normal, functioning in their everyday lives.
Implications - These implants that are still developing will allow patients to control how and when they need to use the bathroom, and will even give warnings about the fullness of their bladers. This will be particularly useful for those with spinal chord injuries, who are severely burdened by their lack of bladder control.
Although still under development, this breakthrough gives hope to those who have suffered a spinal-cord injury, as it will put them one step closer normal, functioning in their everyday lives.
Implications - These implants that are still developing will allow patients to control how and when they need to use the bathroom, and will even give warnings about the fullness of their bladers. This will be particularly useful for those with spinal chord injuries, who are severely burdened by their lack of bladder control.
Trend Themes
1. Neural Implants - The development of neural implants like microstimulators opens up opportunities for controlling bodily functions and improving quality of life.
2. Bladder Control - Advancements in neural implants allow for better control over bladder function, benefiting individuals with spinal cord injuries and related conditions.
3. Personalized Bathroom Usage - The ability to control urination through surgically implanted on/off switches provides a disruptive innovation opportunity for enhancing bathroom accessibility and independence for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Devices - The development of neural implants and microstimulators for bladder control creates a new market opportunity in the medical devices industry.
2. Rehabilitation Services - The breakthrough in neural implants offers innovative solutions for rehabilitation services, particularly for individuals with spinal cord injuries who struggle with bladder control.
3. Assistive Technology - Surgically implanted on/off switches present a disruptive innovation opportunity in the assistive technology industry, allowing for improved independence and convenience in bathroom usage.
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