clipped from: www.abc.net.au   
Anna Salleh

Australian researchers trying to regrow damaged spinal cords with tiny bionic implants are seeing for the first time what's happening at the nanoscale.

bionic hands
philosophers working alongside the researchers say it's time to find out more about how the public feels about such bionic research, which in some cases is being used to enhance human memory, physical abilities and perception.

Researchers told the International Conference On Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in Melbourne this week that they are working towards repairing damaged tissue by extending bionic ear technology.

The bionics program at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science is developing flexible conducting polymers that can be implanted in the body and interact directly with living cells.

The polymers can deliver electrical, mechanical or chemical messages to cells, such as nerve and muscle cells, and receive signals back.

polymers could be used as a generic interface for a range of bionic applications.