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Silicon meets Life. How silicon technology is making artificial replacements for human organs. This is to be the subject-matter of a conference run by The Electronics Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) at Chancellors Hotel & Conference Centre in Manchester on September 4th.

The objective is to "enable a seamless bi-directional interface between living organisms and electronic systems", says KTN, utilising the integration of microelectronics and biology.

'Devices such as cochlear implants are already in wide use today, delivering good-quality hearing to those with impairment', says KTN, 'deep brain stimulation via surgically-inserted electrodes is used to reduce tremors caused by Parkinson's disease. Research on brain-computer interfaces is providing hope of a communication route for locked-in patients.'

It says that far more can be achieved: 'If an intimate, well-understood interface was available, so that information could be bi-directionally exchanged between an electronic system and a living organism, we could develop prosthetic devices allowing replacement or enhancement of any sensory or motor function', says KTN.

'We could provide early diagnosis, through continuous monitoring of our health status. We could interface directly to our brains. We could embed electronics in living organisms, or life in electronics, leading to a myriad of new, revolutionary applications in healthcare and beyond'.

See also: Mannerisms, the blog of David Manners. Updated twice daily, it's the distinctive, entertaining, authoritative and never dull commentary on the semiconductor industry, from someone who knows. Sign up for the Mannerisms eNewsletter.