FCC grants radio spectrum to muscle-stimulating wireless devices for paralysis patients - Engadget
The medical community is all smiles today, because the FCC has decided to allocate a chunk of radio spectrum for potentially life-altering wireless devices. Designed for stroke patients and those suffering from brain or spinal cord injuries, these so-called medical micropower networks (MMN) use a set of implanted electrodes and a wearable wireless controller to stimulate the muscles of a paralyzed user. In a statement issued last week, the FCC announced that these devices have been approved for use within the 413 to 457MHz range, as requested in a petition from the Alfred Mann Foundation, which has already constructed several prototype MMN systems. The organization's CEO, David Hankin, immediately lauded the ruling, adding that the Foundation now plans to launch trials of MMN systems on humans, in the hopes of receiving clearance from the FDA. "The FCC's decision removes the most significant roadblock to helping people," Hankin said. "The frequency that has been approved for use is the most efficient for penetrating tissue with radio waves and without which the new generation of our implantable neurostimulator technology would be impossible to advance."
Med-tech for paralysis patients wins key radio spectrum - Mass Device
The AMF launched the initial petition in September 2007 to urge the FCC to open up the spectrum by demonstrating that medical devices wouldn't disrupt other technologies communicating on those frequencies. The foundation has spent $115 million and 11 years developing microstimulator technology, according to Clyburn.
"The FCC's decision removes the most significant roadblock to helping people. The frequency that has been approved for use is the most efficient for penetrating tissue with radio waves and without which the new generation of our implantable neurostimulator technology would be impossible to advance," Hankin said in prepared remarks. "The FCC worked hard and our scientists, engineers and prospective patients congratulate them for making a giant step toward making veterans' and others' lives better."
Everything “wireless” passes through your body: Cause for health concern? - Tucson Citizen
Right now all the AM and FM channels are passing through your body. Right now the local TV channels are passing through your body. Shortwave radio, police and emergency signals.
Nowadays it is not just your new wifi network that is added to the list, but your neighbors’ as well. But now there are millions of other transmitters called cellphones and all the phones within a few miles of you are passing through your body right now, even if just to sync the email or Facebook while not in use.
Right now my laptop is completely wireless, with no power plug and no internet cable, and yet it communicates with you now.
But my body is closer to it than the wireless router, and if it can change the order of ones and zeros on a computer server miles away, or on the other side of the world even, then what could it be doing to my internal human-computer code such as the DNA in every one of the 100 trillion cells in my body?
Right now all the AM and FM channels are passing through your body. Right now the local TV channels are passing through your body. Shortwave radio, police and emergency signals.
Nowadays it is not just your new wifi network that is added to the list, but your neighbors’ as well. But now there are millions of other transmitters called cellphones and all the phones within a few miles of you are passing through your body right now, even if just to sync the email or Facebook while not in use.
Right now my laptop is completely wireless, with no power plug and no internet cable, and yet it communicates with you now.
But my body is closer to it than the wireless router, and if it can change the order of ones and zeros on a computer server miles away, or on the other side of the world even, then what could it be doing to my internal human-computer code such as the DNA in every one of the 100 trillion cells in my body?
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