New Robot Glides Through Intestines 96
TechFreep writes to mention a NewScientist article about a new mucus-riding robot, intended for use in medical examinations of the intestinal tract. The snail-like bot, it is hoped, will be easier on the internal organs of patients than similar robots which use small leg-like structures. From the article: "Dodou is testing a polymer material that clings to proteins found in the mucus that lines the gut. She measured the polymer's sticky properties in the lab using sections of pig gut, and also examined the way the polymer's stickiness can be 'switched off' by spraying it with water. This could allow a robot to move in a manner similar to a snail, which alternately makes itself sticky and slippery by exerting pressure with its body."
Someone write in and.... (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Um.. (Score:5, Informative)
Do you guys mind? (Score:3, Informative)
Barium sucks too (Score:1, Informative)
I'd agree with bringing on the micro robots, I only wish they'd come out faster. I'm 23 and I've been sick for the last 6 years with various gastro-intestinal problems. I've had 2 endoscopes before, and just 3 days ago I had my 2nd ultrasound and 2nd upper G.I test. I don't mind endoscopes since they drug me up first, ultrasounds aren't a problem either, but I hate upper G.I's since they involve drinking barium. Lower G.I's are even worse than upper G.I's, and I'm scheduled to go for my first lower G.I test in 2 weeks. Basically they give you a barium milkshake enema. To me that's pretty embarrassing, disgusting, degrading, I really wish they'd just shoot me instead...