Bionic Medicine

Imagine what it'd be like to lose your site or hearing, to live with chronic pain, Parkinson's Disease, or epilepsy. Any of these can make life miserable for those who have them. What then, of cures? They are complicated, and the result are mixed, but there are treatments available now, or on the horizon. Each involves tapping into the body's nervous system in some way. This is the mission of Australia's Bionics Institute. Our guest today is a passionate advocate of programs such as the cochlear implant, and the bionic eye. These technologies tap into the great depth of talent in Australia. They offer relief to people who otherwise would have none, and they can earn real export dollars for our economy. Professor Rob Shepherd is Director of the Bionics Institute, and Professor at the University of Melbourne. Interview by Rod.