TED Conversations

Ariel Habshush

Electrical Engineering student, The Cooper Union For The Advancement of Science and Art

TEDCRED 50+

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Our bodies are amazing nano/micro electrical factories!

Did you know that our cells have electric and mechanical systems like the ones you can find inside your electronic devices? For example, the electrical properties of nerve cells (neurons) can be modeled using the same electrical circuit theories! In a way, our bodies are complex biological machines! Let's discuss this in details!

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Topics: Bioelectricity TEDinClass TEDinClass and "Bioelectr cellular electricity
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Closing Statement from Ariel Habshush

Throughout this session many examples have been given that depict how our bodies contain electrical and mechanical systems. A specific electrical system example was how the cell membrane can be compared to a BJT and PN junction semiconductor devices (see Andrew and Simon's comments). As an electrical engineering student I find it fascinating that our cells can be compared to circuit components. With regards to mechanical systems, Steven said that the human leg can be modeled as a spring governed by the equation F=-Kx. It amazing how such complex creatures as ourselves can be studied using equations governing physics!

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    Soumya Surya Adhikari

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    Feb 7 2012: the idea can be quite helpful in makin robots that can have brain circuitry woth circuits similar to that in case of neurons as explained.then we could be able to create bots that could not only walk like that of humans but also can think,feel and do all the work that a human brain makes a human do!
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      Samantha Massengill 50+

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      Feb 7 2012: Hi Soumya, I agree that it is extremely useful to take inspiration from nature when designing robots. But I have to disagree with you when you say that these bots can do *all* of the work that a human brain can do. Learning algorithms made it possible for Watson to win Jeopardy but I don't think that any artificial system could ever have emotions that humans do. Seeking inspiration from biological systems is important but the capabilities of a bot definitely have an upper bound.
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        Soumya Surya Adhikari

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        Feb 8 2012: i agree samantha.but now the world is moving at such a pace dat that programming bots for any kind is not a impossible thing anymore. if bots are able to generate ideas,whu knows the next generation bots will be programmed to have human emotions too.

    • hyunguk CHOI

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      Feb 8 2012: Being a robot could be sad thing , but it is reality

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