Learn about Cutting-edge Biotechnology with NIBIB’s Bionic Man

On behalf of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), I’d like to introduce you to “NIBIB’s Bionic Man” interactive web tool. We created him as a way to tell you about some of the exciting biomedical technologies that are currently being developed thanks to government-funded research.

As the technology institute within the U.S. National Institutes of Health, NIBIB funds the development of technologies that have the potential to greatly improve patients’ lives as well as the healthcare system. The bionic man features a small sampling of these technologies for you to explore. Examples include:

• A powered prosthetic leg that helps users walk more naturally
•  A wireless brain sensor that lets people with paralyzed legs and arms control computer devices or robotic limbs using only their thoughts
• A tiny patch that delivers vaccines painlessly and doesn’t need refrigeration.
• A biological gel and glue that helps grow new cartilage

Clicking on each of the technologies on the bionic man reveals a short description. Many of these descriptions also include links to NIBIB Science Highlights, press releases, and videos that give more in-depth explanations of how the technology works.

In addition to being a fun and informative tool for the general public, the bionic man is also a great way to inspire the next generation of bioengineers. In this regard, we encourage teachers to use the bionic man in their classrooms. The bionic man can help to make the connection between technological development and helping patients clear by providing real-world examples of technologies that are currently being developed to diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases and disorders.

The bionic man currently lives on the Science Education page of the NIBIB website. We hope you’ll take the time to visit, explore, and learn!