Another science fiction story becoming reality is the bionic contact lens. Created by an international team of experts and researchers, this telescopic contact lens, once put on your eye, will give you the power to zoom your eye up to three times as much.
This telescopic lens has a center that allows for normal vision, letting in the light normally. However, the outside edge of the contact lens is in actuality a telescope with a 2.8x magnification (akin to a 100mm lens on your standard digital camera).
The zoom in effect
Now this isn't exactly superman vision just yet, since your regular binoculars will give you a 15x optical zoom, more than 5 times the power of this lens. That said, you don't exactly carry those around in your eye. So any magnification is quite incredible. And the way things are lately, I wouldn't be surprised if a 100x lens would come out in a few years' time.
This amazing feat of technology, a 17mm thick telescope (feels weird even writing something like that), magnifies light by bouncing it around 4 times inside the lens with the aid of special miniaturized mirrors made of aluminum. After the bounce, the light is beamed to the edge of the retina and into your eye.
Diagram of the bionic lens bouncing light
And so a few benefits are quite clear.
First, always, is the medical aspect. People suffering from macular degeneration, either from age or disease or genetic tendencies, will be able to see more details in their surroundings.
Equipping pilots and soldiers also comes to mind. Pilots need the best vision possible to handle aircrafts, better vision may become a standard issue for fighter and commercial pilots. Soldiers will be better able to aim - a huge edge in combat, despite the mounted lenses on many rifles - and recognize threats from afar, reducing their risk in the field.
This is only scratching the surface of course, and as we begin to see more and more of these 'upgrades' to our human bodies. This is both an exhilarating and alarming thought, but one we have been well prepared to anticipate by recent advances.
|
Submitted by: Jeff T.
10 Revolutionary Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters
Disabled people will soon be as mobile as individuals who are fully able-bodied thanks to fantastic revolutionary new wheelchair and mobility scooter designs.
Incredible New Bionic Arm Fuses With Woman's Nerves
Karin's bionic hand is real sci fi, making her one of the first true cyborgs.
The Throwable Camera - Terrific!
The camera you can throw around and take amazing aerial photos!
These Technologies Look Set to Revolutionize Mass Transit
Many of us live in crowded and congested cities, but tech companies and visionaries are constantly coming up with new solutions. Take a look at these.
The Human Powered Helicopter Makes History!
After 33 years, someone finally achieved something thought to be impossible...
Moving With Your Mind - Incredible Science!
athy Hutchinson has been a paraplegic for over 15 years. But today, she can pick up a bottle, pick it up or drink her morning coffee. But it isn't her arm that is doing it. Instead, it is a specilized robot arm that responds to a sensor that buri
New Study: A Pill that Works Out Your Muscles?!?
New study shows that, though we are not there yet, a pill can and probably WILL come out that works out the muscles and grows them.
Why Are Your Ears Ringing? The Causes Explained
Nearly 15% of the human population worldwide are plagued by this strange sensation, but most people don't know the causes behind ringing in the ears...
The COOLEST Flames in the World - Jaw-Dropping!
Have you ever seen a flame as epic as this? Find out how it's made...
Are Smartphones Making Us Stupid? This Will Surprise You!
If you use a smartphone you need to see this!
7 Little-Known Body Parts We Never Knew About
Here's a look at some of the weird and little-known body parts that you didn’t know you had.
The Psychology Behind Why Some People Are Habitually Late
Now we finally know why some people are habitually late.
2023 in Science: Biggest Discoveries You Missed!
Let’s take a look at the most amazing scientific discoveries that made news this year.
20 Incredible Inventions That We Have Completely Lost
Here are some of the most amazing ideas and inventions we have ever seen. But, sadly, all of them have been lost to science in the mysterious mists of history.
7 Weird Facts About the Human Voice That Will Surprise You
We bet you didn’t know these peculiar facts about the human voice.
How It's Made: Merino Wool
Long before we invented moisture-wicking synthetic fibers, this type of wool did it naturally for centuries. Here's how it's produced.
There are Some Great Secrets Found in Mathematics...
Numbers hold some great secrets - they even tell us about life!
First US Embryo to be 'Edited'; Rise of Genetic Changes!
Could the first human embryos be genetically modified?
11 Technologies to Potentially Achieving Immortality
Scientists are hard at work developing technologies that could extend our lifespans and even make us immortal. Here are 11 of them.
These Experiments Remind Us Water Isn't Just For Drinking
This video will make you stop and think for a second the next time you're having a glass of water as you remember the brightly colored experiments that this video shows us you can do with water
Researchers Claim This Ingredient Can Cure Depression!
A preliminary study has suggested that magic mushrooms may be able to soothe the symptoms of depression. Read here to find out more.
6 Signs That Someone is Listening on Your Cellphone Calls!
With technology advancing all the time, there is the ever-increasing chance of our phones being tapped. Here are 6 signs that your phone could be tapped.
The Oldest Medicines That Have Stood the Test of Time
Learn about some fascinating old medicine and general healing practices that have survived for thousands of years.
New Study: There is a Sure Way to Slow Aging
This new study confirms what has long been suspected: The less calories we consume, the slower we age.
5 Robotics Trends Anticipated in 2024
What does 2024 have in store for the field of robotics?
These Shoes Can Boost Your Walking Speed by 250%!
Robotic engineers have created shoes that, they claim, will increase your speed by 250%.
This South African Plant May be the New Cannabis
Is this plant the new cannabis? What will the woolly umbrella plant do for medicine?
Amazing Science: THIS is the True Scale of Our Universe...
Get a sense of the true scale and shape of the universe we've discovered so far.
17 Experiments That Produced Very Bizarre Results...
Take a look at this collection of photos showing how common people performed some fascinating accidental scientific experiments.
Take an Incredible Tour of Our Colossal Milky Way Galaxy
Fly Through the Milky Way Galaxy!
Science Proves: These 10 Bible Stories Probably Did Happen
The Bible describes many seemingly supernatural cases, but today, science can show that they might have indeed happened.
6 Intriguing Archeological Finds of the 21st Century
These archaeological and paleontological discoveries were made in the past 10 years and they're equally fascinating and intriguing...
16 Surprising Things I Never Knew About Sleeping!
Who knew there was so much we don't know about our most popular activity! Here are 16 facts you may not have known about your sleep.
The Curious Science of Tricking Your Taste Buds
Did you know you could confuse your sense of taste? Find out how!
10 Fascinating Facts About the Subconscious Mind
10 facts about the way the subconscious mind works
7 Exciting Physics Tricks You Have to See!
Watch these seven remarkable physics tricks in this exciting and fun video.
Why is Everyone Obsessed with This Weight-Loss Tool?
Ozempic has been touted as a wonder drug for weight loss in recent months. But what's the real truth behind it?
Experience the True Scale of Heavenly Bodies
Witness the true scale of planets, stars and galaxies in this incredible video that sheds light on size in our universe.
Introducing the Astronauts That Were Just Launched Into Space
The two astronauts — veteran NASA fliers Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley are honored to have been on this flight. Let's get to know them!
10 Classic Paradoxes fom Philosophy, Math, and Physics
in every sphere of human knowledge, we’re bound to run into inconsistencies. That’s how fascinating paradoxes like these are born.
These 11 Brain Facts Are Enough to Boggle Your Mind
When you consider the sheer complexity of the human brain, it's difficult to wrap your head around it. Learn these 11 fascinating facts about the human brain.
Remembering the Life and Wisdom of Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking possessed one of the greatest minds the world has ever seen, but was also impaired by a debilitating disease. Here are his life ant times.
Wonder Why Time Speeds Up As You Age? Here's the Answer
We all get the sensation that time moves faster as we get older, but there are scientific reasons for that. Read on to learn about this fascinating phenomenon.
Understanding the Aging Process of Our Body Parts
Find out how every organ and body part in our body changes with age.
Is There Any Way To Destroy or Deflect Asteroids?
Watch an interview with Cathy Plesko, a leading scientist working on preparing for the dangers of an asteroid attack
12 Earliest Versions of Tech Inventions We Use Every Day
Witness the evolution of 11 popular devices we use all the time by looking at how they all started...
Welcome to the Fastest Maze-Solving Competition Ever Made...
Welcome to Micromouse, a competition for the quick of eyes and the quick of minds. This is the oldest robotics race.