Will electronic implants help cure incurable illnesses?
In 1998 he had a RFID chip implanted under his skin that turns on the light, heating and manages devices connected to the computer. Four years later, a more complex system of hundred electrodes was built into his hand. It was directly “installed” into his nervous system. Because of these brave experiments, the British media named him Captain Cyborg, reports Poslovni.hr on March 19, 2016.
Kevin Warwick argues that this research will open up enormous possibilities in the area of development of the human brain, and also regarding the treatment of some diseases that are currently not curable.
Warwick visited Zagreb to give a lecture at the conference Life in the Digital Age. He said that cybernetics was tied to the new electronic treatment methods and improvement of human abilities. He added that there are many Croatian scientists who are interested in cybernetics and this proves that Croatia is a technologically advanced country.
“I will meet with a number of Croatian colleagues in the field. For example, a doctoral dissertation by Ivana Greguric several years ago at the University of Zagreb was a turning point when it comes to philosophical and bioethical dilemmas discussed in it”, professor Warwick noted.
Asked whether it would be possible for implants and similar devices to cure illnesses such as Parkinson’s, he explained that besides treating the consequences of these illnesses, implants can be used to reorganize the way brain is functioning.
“These types of devices can also help us better understand how the brain works. For this study, I have directly collaborated with neurosurgeons. We received the ethical approval for everything we have done. I believe that it is quite appropriate for such a research to adhere to ethical principles so that we can ensure that everything we do is acceptable to society, even though this process often means more work”, Warwick emphasized.
