Tech Universe: Tuesday 19 July

Researchers from Harvard and MIT have created synthetic vocal cords which may be implanted to replace and restore vocal cord function for those unable to speak. Photo / Thinkstock

VOICE GEL: Problems with their vocal cords mean that some people just can't speak. A team of Harvard and MIT researchers have created a gel version of polyethylene glycol that can be injected to restore vocal cord function. The PEG30 polymer moves just like real vocal cords. Wait till the Botox crowd latch on to this one for smooth voices. Watch the video.

CRAZY CYCLES: It's cycling with no pedals or seat - the Ortovox Mountain Skyver bike is unique. It's an all-terrain scooter/bike that folds up into a backpack. The idea is that you pack it up the mountains on your back. At the top you unfold it, stand on the foot pegs and head downhill. Brakes or breaks, though, that's the question.

A LEG UP: Prosthetics are enormously important for people who've lost limbs. The sophisticated models cost a lot though. The US Army have developed a simple and inexpensive prototype prosthetic leg that Afghani locals can make fairly easily without waiting for distant charities to help. A simple cast attaches to a sturdy metal rod with a flat hook. The cast can be remade at any time to allow for growth. Captain Hook surely holds the patent though. For more on this click here.

WIRELESS HEART: Some people with failing hearts use a mechanical pump implanted in their chest to help things along. Powering those pumps is a problem though, and a trailing power cord means infection has a way
in. Researchers at the University of Washington have a wireless inductive power system that maintains efficiency even over small distances. Eventually a charging coil could be hidden in clothing while a receiving coil could be implanted just beneath the skin. Keep your clothes on to be tuned in and turned on. More details here.

STEP BY SPOOK: The Mini IR Theremin is a new take on the spooky sounding and hard to play musical instrument. This one uses IR sensors to detect the distance between the Theremin and an object such as your hand, then translates that distance into a musical note. Pitch changes are in steps, rather than continuous as on the original instrument. Fixed notes takes away the spook though. Watch the video here.

Miraz Jordan, knowit.co.nz