A Rat Blood Fuel Cell Challenges Standard Pacemakers
Amelia Roblin — September 19, 2010 — Lifestyle
References: news.nationalgeographic & treehugger
Animal testing is taken to a new level as French scientists work to refine a rat blood fuel cell that's the first ever to function inside a living body. Glucose-powered batteries have been developed before, but this rodent literally embodies a revolutionary technology that will change the future of pacemakers and insulin-injectors for those in need.
Having been accepted by the rodent's body, the rat blood fuel cell opens doors to implantable devices for humans that can monitor glucose and oxygen and help sufferers of diabetes. Evidence shows even brain chemicals may be moderated for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's patients.
Having been accepted by the rodent's body, the rat blood fuel cell opens doors to implantable devices for humans that can monitor glucose and oxygen and help sufferers of diabetes. Evidence shows even brain chemicals may be moderated for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's patients.
Trend Themes
1. Implantable Glucose Monitors - The development of glucose-powered rodent blood fuel cells for implantable devices presents an opportunity for advanced glucose monitoring in humans.
2. In-body Power Sources - The rat blood fuel cell is the first-ever implantable device with a glucose-powered battery that operates inside a living body and presents an opportunity for future development of in-body power sources for various medical devices.
3. Neurological Therapy Devices - The ability to modulate brain chemicals through rat blood fuel cells opens doors for the development of neurological therapy devices for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's patients.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Devices - The rat blood fuel cell presents an opportunity for medical device manufacturers to use glucose-powered fuel cells and explore the development of implantables that are powered by biological processes.
2. Pharmaceutical - The implementation of glucose-powered fuel cells running on living entities may disrupt the pharmaceutical industry's approach to neurological and diabetes therapeutic treatment.
3. Research & Development - The development of rat blood fuel cells and the implications it could have for medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and therapy presents an opportunity for researchers to explore the possibilities of creating innovative technologies that work with the biology of living organisms.
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