Resource Key
When accessing content use the numbers below to guide you:
LEVEL 1
brief, basic information laid out in an easy-to-read format. May use informal language. (Includes most news articles)
LEVEL 2
provides additional background information and further reading. Introduces some subject-specific language.
LEVEL 3
lengthy, detailed information. Frequently uses technical/subject-specific language. (Includes most analytical articles)
Resources
- Transplant Australia. (2015). The facts. Retrieved from http://transplant.org.au/the-facts/
This websites explains the facts and the myths around organ donation. - Bali. Y., & Hayes. S. Should organ donation be compulsory? Good Health (Australia Edition), 50-51.The article presents views on the opt-in system which encouraged Australians to become organ donors voluntarily in 2012. According to Yvonne Bali, founder of Heart & Lung Transplant, patients in need of organ transplants would have choices if Australia had an opt-out system. Dr. Sharon Hayes, senior lecturer at Queensland University of Technology, an opt-out system would be unethical because it would be urging the will of the greater good onto people who may not agree to it.
- Harris, T. (2009). How organ transplants work. Retrieved from http://health.howstuffworks.com/medicine/modern-treatments/organ-transplant.htm
This website provides and overview of the history of organ transplants and how they work.
- Tissue transplantation. (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://school.eb.com.au.db.plcscotch.wa.edu.au/levels/middle/article/277413This article offers information on tissue transplantation. Tissue transplantation entails the removal of tissue from one area to another on the same or another person. Transplants discussed in this article include the cornea, blood vessel, bone and organs.
Weiss, T. (2011). Replacement Skin [Television broadcast]. Retrieved June 1, 2015, from Catalyst: http://online.clickview.com.au/mylibrary/videos/82db403d-3c4b-04ee-2293-5728e4c9b850
- Neighbour, S. (Executive Producer). (2012). Medical breakthrough promises bionic eyes. Retrieved from http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2012/s3413975.htm.It may seem like something out of the Six Million Dollar Man, but a bionic eye could be in clinical trials within a year thanks to an Australian team of scientists.
- Taylor, A. (2011). Bionic Eye. Retrieved from http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/3179190.htm.None of us really appreciate how vital our eyes are, until they fail. Over half of all blindness in Australia is caused by retinal damage, such as macular degeneration. Using technology from the highly successful bionic ear, this tiny chip could bring hope to those left in the dark.
- Bionic eye prototype unveiled by Victorian scientists and designers. (2013, June 7). ABC Premium News.A team of Australian industrial designers and scientists have unveiled their prototype for the world's first bionic eye.
- Smith, B. (2014, May 1). Bionic eye shapes up as breakthrough for blind patients. Age, The (Melbourne). p. 8.Seeing little more than blob-like shapes as she navigated towards a target on the far wall was a thrill for Dianne Ashworth. She has been blind for more than 20 years.
- Smith, B. (2014). Bionic eye trial 'really promising'. Retrieved from http://www.smh.com.au/technology/sci-tech/bionic-eye-trial-really-promising-20140430-zr1zh.htmlThis newspaper article investigates the first trial of a bionic eye. Dianne Ashworth who has been blind for more than 20 years can now see blob-like shapes, which she uses to navigate towards a target.
- Hall, A. (2013). Bionic eye prototype unveiled by Victorian scientists and designers. Retrieved from http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-07/latest-bionic-eye-prototype-unveiled-in-victoria/4741190A team of Australian industrial designers and scientists have unveiled their prototype for the world's first bionic eye.
- Anthony, S. (2012). Scientists Create Bionic Prosthetic Eyes. PC Magazine, 14-16.The article discusses the development of a bionic prosthetic eye by researchers Sheila Nirenberg and Chethan Pandarinath at Cornell University that can restore almost-normal vision for the blind through the integration of neuroscience, gene therapy, and optogenetics.
- Anthony, S. (2013). A taste of the future. Retrieved from http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/163308-a-taste-of-the-future-the-usas-first-bionic-eye-will-be-receive-a-software-update-to-enable-color-vision-increased-resolutionProviding us with a glimpse of the future of humanity and bionic implants, Second Sight — the developer of the first bionic eye to receive FDA approval in the US — is currently working on a firmware upgrade that gives users of the Argus II bionic eye better resolution, focus, and image zooming.
- Artificial eye. (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://school.eb.com.au/levels/middle/article/309944.This article focuses on issues related to artificial eyes.
- Bionic Vision Australia. (n.d.). The bionic eye. Retrieved from http://bionicvision.org.au/eyeBionic Vision Australia is developing a bionic eye to restore vision to people with retinitis pigmentosa and age related macular degeneration. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are two major causes of blindness and low vision in Australia and worldwide.
- National Vision Research Institute. (n.d.). Bionic eye. Retrieved from http://www.nvri.org.au/pages/bionic-eye.htmlThe National Vision Research Institute of Australia is involved in research to develop prosthetic vision devices, often referred to as ‘bionic eyes’. A bionic eye is constructed from an array of stimulating electrodes. The array is placed onto the retina in the eye and fed signals from a digital camera.
- Deafness. (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://school.eb.com.au/levels/middle/article/273936This article offers information on deafness. Deafness describes an inability to hear either partially or fully. Issues discussed in this article include types and causes of hearing loss, restoring and aiding hearing and communication options.
Hearing Aid
- Little hearing aids fitted with big technology. (2014, February 20). Gold Coast Bulletin, The. p. 31.The article details impressive features incorporated in the latest hearing aids to enable supreme sound fidelity and comfort from noise for wearers.
- Watson, S. (n.d.). Hearing Aid Basics. Retrieved from http://health.howstuffworks.com/medicine/modern-technology/hearing-aid.htmThis article explains how hearing aids work and the new technologies that are providing clearer, more natural sound for people with hearing loss.
- Australian invention cochlear implant. (2012, October 30). Herald Sun (Melbourne), 52.Often known as a bionic ear, the cochlear implant is an electronic device that can help profoundly deaf people to hear - even when hearing aids don't work for them.
- Mayo Clinic. (2014). Hearing aids: How to choose the right one. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/in-depth/hearing-aids/art-20044116Many types of hearing aids exist. This website explains the types of hearing aids and issues to consider when choosing a hearing aid.
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2013). Hearing aids. Retrieved from https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pages/hearingaid.aspxThis website provides detailed information on hearing aids from what is a hearing aid to current research on hearing aids.
Bionic Ear
- Kalderimis, C. (2012, September 26). Cochlear implants have ability to transform lives. Dominion Post, The. p. L6.This articles focuses on the cochlear implant.
- How the cochlear implant (bionic ear) functions (n.d.). Retrieved from http://graemeclarkfoundation.org/cochlear-implant-function-and-ear-function/how-the-cochlear-implant-bionic-ear-functions/Clark’s first research aimed to see if electrical pulses could reproduce the time code for sound frequencies. His experimental work showed the brain stem nerve responses could follow electrical stimuli from 1 pulse per second and 300 pulses per second. This website details research on cochlear implant and how the implants work.
- University of New South Wales. (2014). Bionic ear technology used for gene therapy. Retrieved from http://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/news/health/bionic-ear-technology-used-gene-therapyResearchers at UNSW have for the first time used electrical pulses delivered from a cochlear implant to deliver gene therapy, thereby successfully regrowing auditory nerves.
- Torgan, C. (2013). 3-D printing of working bionic ears. Retrieved from http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/may2013/05202013ears.htmResearchers used 3-D printing of cartilage cells and nanomaterials to create functional ears that receive radio signals. The study demonstrates that it may one day be possible to create bionic tissues and organs.
NB: Video requires Google Chrome or Safari to view.
Clark, G. (2013). A Look Inside the Bionic Ear [Television broadcast]. Retrieved June 1, 2015, WA Today: http://media.watoday.com.au/news/science/a-look-inside-the-bionic-ear-4737600.html
Heart Valves
- Dance, A. (2009). Artificial valves that lend hearts a helping hand. Retrieved from http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/artificial-heart-valves/For the past five decades, artificial heart-valve designs have evolved to successfully replace natural valves, which often begin to leak or harden over time.
- Allen, K. (n.d.). Artificial heart valves. Retrieved from http://health.howstuffworks.com/medicine/modern-treatments/artificial-heart-valve.htmHeart valve replacement surgery was first introduced 50 years ago as an option for patients suffering from heart disease. This website explains how artificial heart valves work.
- American Heart Association. (2015). Valvular heart disease: changing concepts in disease management. Retrieved from http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/119/7/1034.fullThe purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge and future perspectives with regard to optimal prosthesis selection and clinical management after valve implantation.
Pacemaker
- Barin, E. (2010). Pacemakers. Australian Doctor, 301-306.The article discusses aspects of the cardiac pacemaker devices in Australia. History of using pacemakers, its types, indications and different modes of functions are also presented. It discusses its usage and several terms which are commonly used in pacing devices including algorithm, bipolar lead and channelopathy.
- Seppa, N. (2014). Pacemaker treats sleep apnea. Science News, 185(4), 11.The article reports on research on sleep apnea, a night time breathing disorder which disrupts sleep and reduces oxygen in the body, which was conducted by Ryan Soose and his colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pennsylvania. The research found that an implanted electronic pacemaker that syncs breathing with the opening of the throat relieved sleep apnea in many patients who can't use continuous positive airway pressure machines used to treat sleep apnea.
- Hutchinson, A. (2014). micropacemaker. Popular Mechanics, 191(3), 16.The article offers brief information on the Micra TPS pacemaker from Medtronic Inc.
- The Better Health Channel. (2012). Artificial cardiac pacemakers. Retrieved from http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Artificial_cardiac_pacemakersAn artificial pacemaker for the heart works by supplementing the heart's natural rhythm. Conditions like 'sick sinus syndrome' or 'heart block' are characterised by the heart's inability to beat regularly and effectively. Symptoms may include irregular heart rate, tiredness, dizziness and loss of consciousness.
- Artificial heart. (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://school.eb.com.au/levels/middle/article/327482This article offers information on the heart. The heart is the most important organ in the body; it pumps oxygen rich blood to tissues and organs and carbon dioxide back to the lungs. Issues covered in this article include the heart-lung machine and the mechanical heart.
- The Economist, (2013). Let’s have a heart-to-heart. Retrieved from http://www.economist.com/news/technology-quarterly/21572918-medical-technology-new-invention-lets-pacemakers-scavenge-energy-powerMedical technology: A new invention lets pacemakers scavenge the energy to power their circuitry from the motion of the beating heart itself.
- Heart Research Australia. (2006). Pacemakers. Retrieved from http://www.heartresearch.com.au/pacemakers.htmlA cardiac pacemaker is an electronic device designed to monitor the heart's rhythm, and deliver a pulse to the heart at a programmed rate. This will assist your heart to maintain a healthy rhythm when your own heart rate is too slow or irregular. This website explains how pacemakers work and precautions to take when a pacemaker is implanted.
- Finkel, E. (2014). Self-powered pacemaker works on a heartbeat. Retrieved from https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/self-powered-pacemaker-works-heartbeatPacemakers keep millions of hearts on the beat, protecting their owners from potentially fatal arrhythmias. But there’s a problem. The batteries give out after five to 10 years and replacing them requires surgery, not a thing to be taken lightly. Now there is a new game-changing device would never need replacement batteries.
- National Institute of Health. (2012). What is a Pacemaker? Retrieved from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pace/This website details the workings of a pacemaker, clinical trials, the risks and expectations before and after surgery.
Scott, S. (Reporter). (2010). Whole hearted. ABC News. New South Wales: ABC Television.
Barnhart, G. (2010). Valve Options: Tissue vs. Mechanical [Video file]. Retrieved June 1, 2015, Swedish: http://www.swedish.org/services/heart-vascular-institute/our-services/cardiac-surgery/our-services/valve-surgery/heart-valves-function-repair-replacement
- PBS Learning Media. (n.d.). First successful kidney transplant performed 1954. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/dm54ki.html1954 The identical Herrick twins were the first participants in a successful kidney transplant.
- Mobile machines give pair freedom to roam outback. (2013). Preston Leader, 9.This article explains how dialysis is better than hospital, but having access to mobile dialysis is best of all.
- Tasker, B. (2011, August 16). FED:Higher bills hitting home dialysis. AAP Australian National News WireThe state governments are being urged to increase subsidies for patients undergoing kidney dialysis at home as many struggle with spiralling
electricity bills. - Van den Berg, L. (2014). Trials of wearable kidneys bring hope for dialysis patients. Retrieved from http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/trials-of-wearable-kidneys-bring-hope-for-dialysis-patients/story-fni0fiyv-1226847384016This article discusses artificial kidneys. Artificial kidneys could be available within five years to Australians languishing on dialysis.
- Kidney Health Australia. (2015). Home dialysis - what is this treatment all about? Retrieved from http://homedialysis.org.au/Home dialysis includes both Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) and Home Haemodialysis (HDD). There are various lifestyle and health benefits associated with these options. You can choose to dialyse at home during the day or night. Almost all peritoneal dialysis is performed at home given the ease of the procedure and the need for ongoing exchanges several times every day or night.
- Brown, D. (2009, February 13). Doctor invented kidney dialysis machine. Washington Post, The.This article explains the achievements of Willem J. Kolff, 97, the Dutch-born doctor who saved and prolonged countless lives as the inventor of the modern kidney dialysis machine and chief designer of the first mechanical heart implanted.
- Baxter Health Care. (n.d.) Dialysis options. Retrieved from http://www.baxterhealthcare.com.au/patients_and_caregivers/areas_of_expertise/renal/treatment_options.htmlDialysis is a method of removing waste products and excess fluid from your body after your kidneys have failed.
- Home Dialysis.ord. (n.d.). Dialysis machine museum. Retrieved from http://homedialysis.org/home-dialysis-basics/machines-and-supplies/dialysis-museumChronic hemodialysis only dates back to the 1940s. Before there was dialysis, chronic kidney disease was fatal. With the advent of the Kolff Rotating Drum dialysis machine in 1943, a new era of treatment for kidney failure began—which has saved hundreds of thousands of lives. Here, we share a brief history of dialysis from its start to the present.