Bionic Eye: Wireless Cortical Vision Prosthesis

The term “Bionic Eye” referes to a device to help the blind who lost their vision due to diseases like retinitis pigmentosa or macular degeneration.

Prof. Jeffrey V. Rosenfeld, (Senior Neurosurgeon, Alfred Hospital and Professor of Surgery, Monash University), and his team has reported on the effective bionic vision results with his team. New development of “Bionic Eye”, using a brain prosthesis, wireless device interface with brain response.

Figure 1. Schematic of cortical vision prosthesis system in bionic eye [1].

The technical word ‘bionic’ was pointed by Maj. Jack E. Steele (1958), Air Force - US. Bionic is an interdisciplinary sharable word from life science (biology) and engineer science (electronics) sectors. Engineers have created a new device to support physically challenged people do chores like normal people [2].

In 1970, Bionic was famous with TV series by “The Bionic Woman” and “The Six Million Dollar Man”, highlighted about the various super human intelligent powers by design of electromechanical implants. In 1995, researcher have crossed the analogic cellular neural network (CNN) pattern in human organ with the following facts,

The biological aspects of the retinal function (the retinal universe).
The CNN paradigm and the CNN universal machine engineering architecture.
The general outlines of retinal modeling in CNN.

Before going to the current updates of title, we need to clear that the CNN implementation of rentia models and bionic retina. Hence, we can understand the CNN model architecture is necessary consistent, which relates our biological structural systems by knowing the answers of these following questions [3].

A functional analysis report from retina to brain:

Why the human retina has been separated from the brain section?
What kind of transformations takes place in the human retina?
How are they accomplished and what forms of information finally emerge from the retina to supply the human brain with the signals that allow us to perceive the extreme richness of the visual world?

F. Werblin et al., was found out the analogic CNN bionic eye described here opens up new various model possibilities for artificial way of sensory processing. In addition, interesting one is the ‘front end’ of a digital camera, as a prosthetic device designed to simulate human retinal output, detecting and interpreting a variety of current visual objects. By using artificial analogic algorithms in combination, we cannot only detect but also begin to interpret the present world through these neuromorphic artificial senses.

S.L. Ananthu Suresh discussed about the Bionic Eye Technology, that bionic eye is a human visual prosthesis that support to blind restore functional vision. These technical device parts are the combination of two area (exterior and interior) components. During the fixation of the components, we need to do surgery only for interior component. The evolutionary researches are growing on to create new devices with (i) Artificial Silicon Retina (ASR) and (ii) Multiple-unit Artificial Retina Chipset (MARC) system [4]. The hopeful technology will supported to blind people, they can also realize with clear and identifiable images in present technical world.

Nowik et al, researcher from Poland identify the following updates in Bionic eye senario. Two devices have reached the final stage – the Argus II and Alpha IMS. Some hardware limitations of bionic eye implants has been resolved. Software is also an important component of a successful bionic eye system [5].

W. Liu (The founder of Argus II retinal prosthesis system) said that “More the microchips you have higher the resolution of the image. Eventually the ability to see colors can be added”.

Luo et al., Advaced treatment for Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), it represented a group of hereditary outer retinal degenerative human diseases (one baby is affected in 4000 live births in worldwide sensex).

Only treatment option to these kind of patients are:

Argus® II retinal prosthesis system approved (Second Sight Medical Product, Inc., Sylmar), which received CE (Conformité Européenne) marking in March 2011 and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in February 2013.
Alpha-IMS followed and received CE marking in July 2013.

Researchers are insisted the mechanism and stages of the retinal prosthetic system, specifically noted with visual prostheses (image capture, light waves, number of electrodes, field of vision site of stimuli, visual processing, status), optic nerve head prostheses and cortical prostheses. He has concluded and opened the new research area of retinal therapy with future directions [6].

Only very few selected groups (Australia, Canada, USA, and Spain) are interested to aware and searching alternate resource for cortical visual prostheses, and clinical trials. Approaches with electrode implantation and stimulation pathway are highlighted. Here, they discussed the common principles of visual prostheses applying electrical stimulation of the visual pathways, concentrating on the retina and visual cortex as the two extensively studied stimulation sites [7].

A key point to both retinal and cortical implants is maximizing central phosphene resolution and thus visual acuity, via the implantation of small, densely packed electrodes in either the macula in the retina, or occipital pole of the cerebral cortex. The research problems, benefits and outcomes are based on the detail of retinal visual prosthesis implantations and cortical visual prosthesis implantations. Here, limitations of electrode concepts with causing phosphene fusion and electrode surface area and electrode damage.

Novel approaches of Japanese scientists for stimulation itself, new way for interfacing the following two: (i) neural tissue and (ii) conventional electrodes (via microelectromechanical substrate) are being newly developed. Even though several cortical devices are being created, for which first-in-human trials may be conducted in the near future.

Recent team work of Rosenfeld et al., was according to them, this is the world's first identification in bionic eye research. The bionic eye designated 'Gennaris bionic vision system' , which is investigated for the biological response to a wireless cortical vision prosthesis (Gennaris array). This identification was also biological response, that long-term stimulation through wireless arrays. They concluded that, “We address the first such test, by implanting three sheep with multiple active and passive implants”.

Figure 2. An image of the implantation procedure where craniotomies were performed in both hemispheres [1].

Our SNB Team recommended this research article to help the reader to know about the Bionic Eye research areas timely for developing research: Improvement in retinal visual prosthesis implantations and cortical visual prosthesis implantations depends on the quality of following: (i) improving visual resolution, (ii) the visual field, (iii) developing an accurate neural code for image processing and (iv) the biocompatibility of the device to ensure longevity. It also recommended these device work development and support to help for the blind peoples. Artificial, electronic retinal and prosthetic vision research is an affordable one and best remedy to our blind peoples.

References

J.V. Rosenfeld et al., J. Neural Eng. https://doi.org/10.1088/1741-2552/ab9e1c\ (2020 ).

R. R. Roth, Perspectives in Biology and Medicine. Johns Hopkins University Press 26, 229 (1983).

Franch werblin et al.,, Int J Circ Theor app, 23, 541, (1995).

S. L. Suresh, ijresm, 3, 386. ISSN (Online): 2581 (2020).

K. Nowik et al., J. Clin. Neurosci.78, 8, (2020).

Y. H. L. Luo et al., British Medical Bulletin, 109, 31 (2014).

P. M. Lewis et al., ANZJ. Surg. 86, 654 (2016).

Blog Written By

Dr. K. Rajkumar

Central University of Tamil Nadu,

Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India.

Author Profile

Editors

Dr. A. S. Ganeshraja

Dr. S. Chandrasekar

Reviewers

Dr. Y. Sasikumar

Dr. S. Thirumurugan

Dr. K. Vaithinathan

Comments

PROSPECTS ON PHOTOBIOREFINERY

Very recently, Prof. Dr. K. Faungnawakij and his research group have summarized a mini review report on an emerging renewable technique of Photobiorefinery . This is one of the beyond technique of Artificial Photosynthesis (AP) [1] . Despite great promises, AP technologies for solar H2 production and CO2 reduction are far uncompetitive to other promising technologies at the current stage . However, despite an enormous effort, time, and budget paid on AP-related researches throughout several decades, AP technologies have struggled to strive beyond laboratory demonstration except a very few exceptions [2] . This bitter reality makes the translation of this excellent science to practical application questionable [3] . Technoeconomic analysis shows that without achieving the aggressive technology targets, this technology will not be commercially viable. This has directed the research community towards the development of highly efficient yet expensive devices. While tremendous p...

Impact on Climate and Land Use Changes Around Ganga River

In India, Ganga is the largest river and also famous spiritual river, in meantime pollution issue in Ganga river is considered to be one of the most discussed topics on river water quality in the past decades . The river gets s everely polluted with untreated industrial and human wastes, and the river crossed around 11 states in India and provides water for about 40% of India's population, approximately 500 million people, we couldn’t find more than any other river in the world [ 1, 2 ]. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has mentioned that 764 grossly polluting industries were discharging into the Ganga river, 487 industries are from the Kanpur region. Therefore, the Kanpur region was treated as the main polluted spot and immediate action should be taken for further recovery of water quality. The Kanpur region is one of the most important industrialized place in India. It is the most polluted stretch of the Ganga River, because of its excessive pollutant discharge from the i...

Electric Vehicle: Public Health and Climate Benefits

A research team led by Daniel Peters at Northwestern University has investigated that if we introducing electrifying vehicles in the streets of the United States could annually prevent hundreds-to-thousands of premature accidental deaths.This work highlights the potential of a synergistic solution to reduce CO 2 emissions by hundreds to millions of tons annually. The estimate of economic damages induced by introducing electrifying vehicles (EV) adoption is substantial. With current infrastructure, about 25% of electrifying vehicles adoption in the US can save approximately $16.8 billion annually, has been told in the study entitled"Public Health and Climate Benefits and Trade offs of U.S. Vehicle Electrification," in GeoHealth on 13 th August 2020 [1] . Vehicle electrification in the United States could prevent hundreds to thousands of premature deaths annually while reducing carbon emissions by hundreds of millions of tons. This highlights the potential of co-beneficial...

AN ACT OF FACE MASK MATERIAL USED TO PROTECT US FROM SARS-COV-2

“ In the absence of a vaccine, or effective antiviral, one of our only remaining strategies for controlling COVID-19 is to physically block the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the community ” On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic [1] . In the absence of a vaccine, or effective antiviral, one of our only remaining strategies for controlling COVID-19 is to physically block the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the community. Given that COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, the most effective physical defense likely involves widespread public use of face coverings, in conjunction with other control measures [ 2 ] . Face coverings (also variously referred to as face masks, nonmedical masks, community masks or barrier masks ) function primarily in source control; capturing droplets expelled by an infected individual [3] . Figure 1. DIY masks to protect against from viruses sounds like a crazy idea. source click here In the absence of an...

RENEWABLE ENERGY'S ROLE IN ENVIRONMENTAL CLEEN-UP PROCESS

Human activity is overloading our atmosphere with carbon dioxide and other global warming emissions. These gases act like a blanket, trapping heat. The result is a web of significant and harmful impacts, from stronger, more frequent storms, to drought, sea level rise, and extinction. Most of global warming emissions come from our electricity sector. Most of those emissions come from fossil fuels like coal and natural gas . Sulfur dioxide (SO2) , which cause acid rain, comes from electricity generation. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) , which react with sunlight to create ground level ozone and smog, come from electricity generation. Ozone (O3) occurs naturally in the upper atmosphere where it is beneficial. Particulate matter is a type of air pollution more commonly referred to as soot. Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global climate change. Mercury is a highly toxic metal that is released from coal-fired power plants. In contra...

Scientific Research Focus on “To End Hunger”

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO UN), Hunger Report, Ending hunger is a major objective of the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), hunger is the term used to define periods when populations are experiencing severe food insecurity - means that they go for entire days without eating due to lack of money, lack of access to food, or other resources [ 1 ]. Hunger is strongly interconnected with poverty, and it involves interactions among an array of social, political, demographic, and societal factors. An attention is must in the following topics to put an end card for poor hunger: Global Hunger Index (GHI). World Food Program’s 2020. Global Report on Food Crises. Smallholder-farming. Ceres2030. The two main international institutions are the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) , joined forces to estimate what it would cost to ...

Novel Approach of Plastic Waste to Flash Graphene

Prof. Algozeeb and his research collaboration team have investigated an novel approach of upcycling plastic waste (PW) products to flash graphene (FG). This method relies on Flash Joule Heating (FJH) to convert PW into FG. A sequential direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) flash is used in order to make a high-quality graphene. In this FJH process, they established without catalyst and works for PW mixtures that can make the process suitable for handling landfill PW. In 21 st century, PW pollution is considerable one among the various environmental issues. A very large fraction of PW ends up in the ocean, which leads to the formation of micro- and nanoplastics that threaten marine life, micro-organisms, useful bacteria, and humans. From the intense carbon footprint process, most of these synthesized plastics are used only once before dumping into landfills or water ways that terminate in the oceans. Hence, upcycling PW to higher value materials and chemicals is econ...

Electromagnetic Field: Non-Chemical Water Treatment Technology

An interesting review report on “A critical review of the application of electromagnetic fields for scaling control in water systems: mechanisms, characterization, and operation” was reported by Lu Lin, Wenbin Jiang, Xuesong Xu and Pei Xu published in Nature Partner Journals Clean Water published on June 2020 [1] . Water is the precious matter in the world. source U.S. General Services Administration has interested on non-chemical water treatment technologies. It has mentioned following important points: n on-chemical technology promises to increase the period between required blow-down cycles, thus reducing water consumption , minimizes associated issues of chemical storage, handling, and disposal, and may permit on-site re-use of cooling-tower “blow-down” water as “grey water” , it promises to be life cycle cost effective based solely on the reduction in chemical costs , this technology may reduce or eliminate chemical costs, it may not reduce other contractor costs ...

Electro-Organic Synthesis: Next Emerging Technique

Industrial developments, excessive energy consumption, sustainable technologies, environmental cleaning processes are major topics of political and social discourse. Current innovations are rated not only focusing on their benefit and utility but also concerning their eco-friendly approaches. The development of green technological processes is becoming more important and requires harmless energy sources. Particularly over the past decade, the severe limitations of fossil resources intensify the movement towards sustainable synthesis techniques with a strict cutback in the ecological footprint [ 1 ]. Electro-organic synthesis belongs to the synthetic organic chemistry discipline that facilities the direct use of electricity to generate valuable compounds. Hence, it is possible to transfer green aspects of sustainable energy sources to the whole production process [ 2 ]. Since the Kolbe’s discoveries of using electricity as a reagent for organic transformations over 170 years ago, ...

Innovations of Integrated Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the study of methods to imitate intelligent human behavior. AI is widely heralded as an ongoing “revolution” transforming science and society altogether [ 1 , 2 ]. While approaches to AI such as machine learning, deep learning and artificial neural networks are reshaping data processing and analysis [ 3 ], healthcare, transportation and the production chain [ 4 ]. Figure 1. Integrated concept of artificial intelligence. AI Ethics Guidelines National and international organizations (European Commission, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), UK House of Lords, Singapore Commission) have responded to these concerns by developing ad hoc expert committees on AI, often mandated to draft policy documents in various countries. In 2018 alone, companies such as Google and SAP publicly released AI guidelines and principles. The advisory council on the ethical use of AI scientific team have announced that results reveal a global co...

Search This Blog