In a fascinating turn of events, a research team from the Bern University of Applied Sciences has contrived of three specially made minuscule turbines that were placed in a tube that simulates the thoracic artery, millimeters-wide blood vessel. The most efficient of these three generated some 800 microwatts, which is more than what is required to power a pacemaker. With this technology, the researchers are looking forth to harvest energy from the human bloodstream.
Now, one may ask – what is the primary advantage of creating such tiny turbines? Implanted medical devices like pacemakers, blood pressure sensors or even neurostimulators require some amount of power (from an external source or battery) to function. But the problem lies with the fact that because of this power requirement, the devices have to be placed at easy-to-reach locations within the body. Hence, in this case, the scientists are trying to create a collective bio-mechanical system where the turbines can readily provide power to such implanted devices from inside the body. The consequences can be revolutionary, as that could mean – the devices can be placed in more conducive, strategic positions (thus having increased efficiency), and even can nullify the requirement of periodic surgeries of replacement of such devices, in some cases.
But in the more practical scheme of things, the scientists are concerned about blood clots that can occur due to presence of foreign substances, such as turbines (clots transmitted through blood streams can prove to be fatal in the long run). That doesn’t necessarily mean that the research has to be shelved. With further time and progression, one can only hope to see the full development of this novel technology, albeit infused with stringent safety features.
Source: PopSci
