2,000-YEAR-OLD SEX "TOY" DISCOVERED
In Chinese tombs of Han dynasty kings and
aristocrats, archaeologists have excavated
two 2,000+-year-old bronze fake
penises, which were probably used
in rituals celebrating fertility.
Although made of bronze,
they weigh very little,
according to scientists.Implanted Solar Cells
Keep Pacemaker "Alive"
Scientists want to replace batteries in medical implants with
solar cells placed just under the skin.MEDICINE A pacemaker's battery life
is limited, and it will typically have to be
replaced in minor surgery after 5-10 years.
But in the future, people with pacemakers
and other powered medical implants will
not have to go through surgery. In an
experiment with 32 participants,
scientists from Switzerland have tested
whether solar cells can power a
pacemaker – and the answer is yes. Thescientists provided the test subjects with
a 3.6 cm^2 test model of a solar cell
implant worn on the arm in the
experiment. The result of the test was
convincing: the least power measured in
the test subjects was 12 microwatts, and
a typical pacemaker requires 5-
microwatts. The researchers claim the
technology is ready to go and could be
approved for use within a few years.32 patients wore solar cells on their upper
arms, covered by a filter that simulates a
layer of skin. The devices all generated
sufficient power for a pacemaker.A solar cell device
will be implanted
in the neck close
to a pacemaker or ICD.LUKAS BEREUTERYIZHENG MUSEUM
EXPERIMENT
FUTURE
WIRESOLAR CELLLight filter: In the test,
the solar cells were placed
under a filter to simulate skin
and find out exactly how
much energy the skin blocks.
Solar cells: A panel with
10 solar cells is located
under a light filter. The
solar cells convert light
energy into power.
Electric circuit:
The electronic components
are located on a printed
circuit board.
Battery: A rechargeable
battery stores the energy
harvested by the solar cell.Solar cells generate
energy in the winter
Solar cells generate plenty of
electricity both during dark
winters and sunny summers.PACEMAKERscienceillustrated.com.au | 13