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Friday, 27th February 2004 (4759 views)

Gold is helping scientists to realise what was once thought simply to be science fiction, with the advent of cyborgs.<BR/><BR/>Nasa has unveiled a tiny silicon robot said to be the first step towards producing a genuine futuristic machine, which incorporates living muscle from a rat's heart and silicon 'legs' - combining man and machine.<BR/><BR/>The crucial stage in development arrived when researchers found a way to get muscle cells to grow on to the silicon skeleton using a layer of gold film. <BR/><BR/>The gold film deposit worked as an adherent, allowing the muscles to stick to them and grow over the silicon skeleton.<BR/> <BR/>The muscles were able to grow rapidly, latching on to the gold underside of the silicon arch, to deliver a key piece of muscle.<BR/><BR/>The breakthrough marks the first time muscle tissue has been used to propel a 'micromachine', with the implications for space travel and on-board shuttle repair already being discussed.<BR/><BR/>In addition, experts say that such 'microbots' could help to offer support to paralysed people, enabling them to breathe without the help of a ventilator by stimulating damaged nerves in their bodies. <BR/><BR/>Researchers at the University of California published details of the experiment in the latest edition of New Scientist.

 

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