Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: Titanscape on 03/04/2010 17:46:29

Title: Microchip Implants, Who Makes Them, How Do They Work?
Post by: Titanscape on 03/04/2010 17:46:29: I am interested in microchip implants, the interface of technology and physiology. What are they for? How do they work? Who makes them? What is the future for their use?
Title: Re: Microchip Implants, Who Makes Them, How Do They Work?
Post by: graham.d on 06/04/2010 16:00:05: Strictly the common devices in use today are not just microchips (at least not by my definition) but are a hybrid of a chip and some external circuits packaged in a small inert plastic casing. They are only really used for tagging animals (pets and livestock). Although there are a number of ideas for using such devices in humans, there is some concern over potential litigation should anything go wrong which is restricting usage. The devices commercially available are Passive Transponders powered by external EM radiation (like tags on items from a shop and, now, on some credit cards). When activated they can return, wirelessly, data pre-recorded on the chip. I am not sure any have an external write capability yet, though this is possible too. Anything more elaborate than this is purely experimental and faces a lot of evaluation before use on humans. Even animal implants (compulsory in some places) have been subject to medical concerns. This could be due more to people trying to exploit the US legal system than any real concern but it's hard to tell. Talk of significant human machine interfacing is a long way off.

At least two companies in the USA make them: AVID and Schering Plough. I expect these companies sub-contract the actual chip production to a semiconductor manufacturer as these manufacturers would not be likely to accept responsibility for the end product in such a potentially litigious area - at least not until the market has become mature and the technology 100% safe. Most Semiconductor manufacturers have clauses in the sale of their products that absolve them for responsibility for use of the products in (for example) "safety critical" applications. I'm not sure what the position would be regarding pets etc.

There's nothing particularly special about the technology used.
Title: Re: Microchip Implants, Who Makes Them, How Do They Work?
Post by: Bored chemist on 06/04/2010 17:10:08: "They are only really used for tagging animals (pets and livestock). "

Please define animals.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3697940.stm
Title: Re: Microchip Implants, Who Makes Them, How Do They Work?
Post by: Geezer on 06/04/2010 19:23:51: As you can see, Shona is totally stoked to learn that she is all set for a night of clubbing in Barcelona.

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Title: Re: Microchip Implants, Who Makes Them, How Do They Work?
Post by: RD on 06/04/2010 22:12:25: Shona is in luck if Benicio del Toro needs a stand-in for Wolfman II ...

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Title: Re: Microchip Implants, Who Makes Them, How Do They Work?
Post by: Geezer on 06/04/2010 23:25:09: Shssssssh!

Ever since we had her chipped she's become very sensitive, and she takes these funny "turns".
Title: Re: Microchip Implants, Who Makes Them, How Do They Work?
Post by: LeeE on 06/04/2010 23:28:29: If you're really interested in this type of cybernetics then you really need to check out this chap:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Warwick (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Warwick)

However, please don't take this suggestion as advocation, and any you-tube videos you may watch as a consequence of reading this post are purely your own problem.

[edited to really highlight that 'really' qualifier]
Title: Re: Microchip Implants, Who Makes Them, How Do They Work?
Post by: RD on 07/04/2010 01:47:20: Quote from: Geezer on 06/04/2010 23:25:09
Ever since we had her chipped she's become very sensitive ...

Does she have a chip on her shoulder (http://www.goenglish.com/AChipOnYourShoulder.asp) ? [:)] (http://www.freesound.org/samplesViewSingle.php?id=37215)
Title: Re: Microchip Implants, Who Makes Them, How Do They Work?
Post by: Geezer on 07/04/2010 05:32:39: Quote from: RD on 07/04/2010 01:47:20
Quote from: Geezer on 06/04/2010 23:25:09
Ever since we had her chipped she's become very sensitive ...

Does she have a chip on her shoulder (http://www.goenglish.com/AChipOnYourShoulder.asp) ? [:)] (http://www.freesound.org/samplesViewSingle.php?id=37215)

Well, not really. They put it right between their shoulder blades..........hang about! You're indulging in a little play on words there. You nearly got me with that one!!

(BTW, that's Shona's idea of a smile. Gord help us if she ever tries to look fierce! She balances on her hind legs and flashes big smiles at everyone she meets. We never trained her to do it. Seems to be instinctive.)
Title: Re: Microchip Implants, Who Makes Them, How Do They Work?
Post by: Titanscape on 13/04/2010 17:18:29: Can any system send a signal?
Title: Re: Microchip Implants, Who Makes Them, How Do They Work?
Post by: graham.d on 13/04/2010 17:47:37: I'm not sure what you mean, Titanscape. These transponders are easy to power up with a rough knowledge of the frequency band to be used but you would need to have knowledge of the communication protocol to devise a system to communicate - either send commands or data or to receive data that would make any sense. For implants in dogs etc. I doubt that there would be need for encryption etc. but similar devices (not implants) that are used on credit cards and mobile phones would be made much more difficult to communicate with without appropriate keys; at least I would hope so.
Title: Re: Microchip Implants, Who Makes Them, How Do They Work?
Post by: Titanscape on 13/04/2010 20:37:54: Graham I read about chips that pick up and send microwaves, and that can apply feelings to the holder. In Nexus, maybe a thought of the future.