Dude, I've Got Transistor in my Body!

Transistor has play a major role in our life, especially in modern electronic applications. This tiny (mostly) semiconductor device is used to amplify and switch electronic signal by changing the current or voltage flowing of a terminal to another terminals. Today, this unit is implemented beyond of our thought - embedded in our body for screening diseases. Scientists from University of California has discovered a new way to extend the use of everyday transistor for observing human health. According to Aleksandr Noy, one of the scientists, this new finding exploits the real biological machinery, protein, by working as a part of microelectronic circuit. In this technology, silicon, which the common material used in ordinary transistors, is replaced with new rod-shape material known as carbon nanotube. This material is basically constructed from a single curved layer of arranged carbon atoms. This material is covered with a mixture of lipid and protein, forming a lipid bilayer similarly to the outer membrane of actual cells. Then, the scientists supplied a solution of potassium ions, sodium ions and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) over the constructed transistor in order to power up the device with voltage. Since ATP is crucial element to energize the biological cells, the actual process in ordinary transistors is applied by powering the embedded proteins in the bilayer. Consequently, the ion pump charged the electric charge within the cell, which the charge that going through the transistor. Therefore, scientists can measure and observe the electrical changes. Currently, the scientists believe that this technology can be implemented to monitor and even treat specific diseases; assisted to study poisons and toxins; and even started the development of more futuristic applications such as controlling electronic devices through brain wave. source: Discovery News and MSNBC. Thank you to my friend, Muhammad Faiz Misman, for alerting me with this news.