Oxygen chambers enhancing Athlete’s performance
This article and video looks at Novak Djokovic, the current number one tennis player in the world, who uses a pressurised oxygen chamber to “…help improve circulation, vision, reaction times, endurance and power, all while boosting red blood cell count”.
via http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2011/08/egg-shaped-fitness-chamber-breeds-tennis-champions/
The use of a pressurised oxygen chamber to train the human body and build his red blood cell count was also used by magician David Blaine to break the world record of the longest time for holding his breath underwater.
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1736834,00.html
This is a clear example of how science, health, sport, entertainment and technology are all used to enhance the human body with particular reference to athletes and entertainers. These articles illustrate that even though classifications of sport and entertainment may differ, they can stil be linked through commonalities in technological advancements.
3D cinemas just got that much more real
http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press/201108/11-097E/index.html
Dr. Robotics
This video demonstrates one of the most advanced robotic surgery tools called the ‘da Vinci’ system. It shows how human error is minimalised as precision and control are demonstrated to provide an insight into how accuracy and delicate procedures can be undertaken.
Controversial swim suits have now been made available for the public
The idea of this swim suit being controversial (as discussed in the week 5 lecture) was that its expense and availability made it only accessible to those within economic reach. However, now that Speedo has made it accesible (for a mear $550 dollars) will this controversy simply slip away? If accessibility is the only thing blocking technological advancement, the government should be funding research teams.
The idea I wanted to raise with this article is that technology is being used to enhance human performance. Likewise with the idea of the daVinci system, technology is being used in all facets of society including sport to enhance (in this case) performance.
Designed by Maxence Parache, a recent graduate of London’s Central Saint Martins university, the diamondoid-shaped helmet harnesses the Microsoft Kinect to deliver an alternate reality set in the real world. The set-up includes an Arduino glove with force sensors and high-definition video glasses. Parache plans to release the overall technical specs to the public for others who want to modify the set-up. You can see video of the Hyper(reality) helmet in action at the Geffrye Museum in the video below.
____________________________________________________________________________________
The idea of technology becoming our reality is closer than we think. With the entertainment business (with particular reference to gaming) using and interacting with humans, it can be seen how our experiences, whether they be visual, audio or a combination, are enhanced thanks to technology.
(via fiveminutesintothefuture)
Source: dvice.com
http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2010/12/robot-turns-spinal-surgery-into-a-flight-simulator-game/
After writing my week four future predictions for robotic surgery, it was interesting when I went searching for news and articles regarding the topic. This first link looks at how small robotic arms are being used for spinal surgery in the United States, Germany, Russia South Korea and a broad range of other countries around the world. They claim that the use of robotic arms in this delicate procedure reduces the amount of pain felt by patients as well as reducing the recovery time. Overall, the experience and outcomes of surgery are improved thanks to this advancement in technology and its application to society and in particular, the area of health and science. It was also interesting to note that the article compares the surgeons use of robotic limbs to perform surgery to playing a game. The entire process of learning and using tools as well as strategic thinking shows and links in with the idea that gaming in the social and in this case healthcare aspect can be appropriated (social technological change and development of health care).
