"Microchips In Human & Animal Implants and Molecular Biology"

Jessica Gerlemann
Intro Comp. Info & Systems
Professor Pellin
19 August 2009
Microchips In Human & Animal Implants And Molecular Biology
Microchips are a form of technology used for various reasons. A microchip is an integrated circuit device that performs to improve function. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microchips) Not only are microchips used in human and animal implants but they are also used for molecular biology. First, subdermal implants can be used for information storage, personal identification, medical history and allergies and trial information. Second, in animals microchips are most often subdermal as well. Put under the skin or around on a collar to track the living animal’s habits. Third, in molecular biology (http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ac970642d) microchips are used for synthesizing or dissolution. “The steps of cell lysis, multiplex PCR amplification, and electrophoretic analysis are executed sequentially on a monolithic microchip device. The entire microchip is thermally cycled to lyse cells and to amplify DNA, and the products are then analyzed using a sieving medium for size separation and an intercalating dye for fluorescence detection.” Also microchips are used in Oligonucleotide of DNA.
Microchips in humans are implanted for various reasons. For example, someone might have a heart implant and a surgery with a microchip inserted might be what keeps the heart running. The VeriChip Corporation received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration to market its device in 2004. Since that approval 80 hospitals and 232 doctors have used that microchip. Interestingly though, if unencrypted third party scammers could access information if they wanted to. Although hi-tech for storing information such as identity and food allergy information there is a risk imposed infection. For instance, GPS enable chips could be used to track individuals and what they do. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microchip_implant_(human)
There are now several reasons for subdermal microchips used in pets. For instance, there is a new internet tool that aims to simplify searches for pets. A new search engine is said to have launched August 18, 2009. Users read the chip with a scanner typing a 9, 10 or 15 digit code and the tool then gives the information of which six registries or an area the pet is in. The search engine developed by Chloe Standard, in Mountain View, California. (http://news.vin.com/VINNews.aspx?articleId=13627) The use of externally attached microchips is another common refuge of uses done by conservationists to track animals. Microchips for animals have been commonly used for this but more uses also exist. For instance, a pet owner either adopts a pet, has an enrollment form or is also provided a chip ID and contact information. All of these lead to a recovery service that notifies the owner that the pet has been found. International organization of animals is also another very important use of the microchip.
Most importantly and interestingly the engineering of microchips are being used to link science and computers to more advanced states. For example, microchips are being used in DNA. Single and double stranded DNA of 40 to 972 nucleotides or base pairs wre immobilized on gel pads to manufacture a DNA chip. Not only are they used in biology and chemistry but computer engineers such as IBM are seeking to develop Microchips Using DNA origami. The hard drive cards will match the infrastructure completely of DNA. (http://www.findingdulcineas.com/news/science/2009/august/IBM-Seeking-to-Develop)
Microchips are probably one of our most important systems of technology. First, it improves functions. Second, it can be used to find lost animals and track wild animals coexisting habits by conservationists. Third, Microchips can be used in Biology or Chemistry to form DNA microchips and microchips can be used to form DNA origami when developing Microchips. Microchips enhance the enabling function to use systemic computers that store information every day. Fourth, human chips can be initially installed under the skin and store information such as identity, food allergies and keep such things such as a mechanical heart or heart transplant beating. Fifth, there isn’t any better piece of technology besides the microchip because it is a main component in the functioning of hard drives.