Build a Better Body (04:00)

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Revolutionary experiments unite humans with technology in physical form. The demarcation of biology and technology continue to blur, reinventing the human species of the future. Humans are frustrated with the body's lack of evolution.

Snowboarding Injury (03:09)

With advancements in technology, scientists expect the relationship between humans and technology to transform human identity. Jenn Penko and Tim French relate Penko's serious accident.

Harnessing Contractions (04:47)

Penko's injury left her with a severed spine and paralysis. Penko and French moved to Cleveland to be near researchers working with spinal injuries. Penko joined a trial and had a computer intended to create muscular movement placed in her abdomen.

Sound-Gathering System (05:26)

Since learning that the body runs on electricity, scientists continuously endeavor to understand the electrical currents flowing through nerve cells. Invasive brain surgery generally damages the brain, but modern science attempts to improve the brain. Dr. William Hitzelberger communicates with a patient whose brain surgery allowed her to hear for the first time in years.

Restoring Sight to the Blind (02:39)

In Chicago, a chip inserted directly into the retina converts light to electricity and gives patients eyesight.

Reading the Brain (04:25)

Dr. Igor Fineman works with patients like Leon Bostick who are unable to move. Fineman describes the attempt to understand brain signals and translating the signals into actions. Dr. Richard Andersen discovered the parietal reach region.

Test Tube Brain (04:02)

Neuroscientist Steve Potter brain neuron communication. Neurons fire simultaneously and in patterns. Potter seeks to understand the patterns with an experiment.

Invasion of the Inhuman (02:37)

Muscles and nerves "memorize" firing patterns that allow us to move. Potter expects an implanted chip to someday allow the brain to control objects. Others fear the physical effects of the chip.

Secret Weapon: Robots (02:36)

Despite the sci-fi nature chip implants, they are not as distant as people imagine. Greg Stock describes a type of heart device that could monitor heart rate and contact a hospital if need be. Bill Joy relates chip implants to hearing implants and pacemakers.

Self-Assembly (03:40)

Mark Reed of Yale University uses micro-engineering to create minuscule computer processors. The computer is based on molecules and chemical reactions.

Computers in Everything (03:00)

Reed and James Ellenbogen discuss what the integration of computers in brains will change about life.

Techno-Warrior (02:03)

The U.S. Army uses implanted chips and sophisticated weapons to create the next-generation soldier. A soldier demonstrates technology that allows him plug into real-time data.

Cyborg Revolution (04:04)

Steve Mann and his community constantly wear technology designed to integrate the brain and computer. Mann wears glasses that project a computer screen on his retina.

Extension of Human Memory (03:02)

Computers in the realm of fashion are worn for functionality and style; information is decoration. A former Eastern European intelligence operative turned fashionista organized a fashion show displaying items that are technologically advanced, contain information, and are cutting-edge.

Powers of the Superorganism (04:44)

Studies predict each human will own a multitude of devices with a different purpose; each person will have a microprocessor-merged brain. Merging human and cyborg focuses on relationships between people and computers. Individuals will have the ability to instantly access a giant data stream.

Credits: Beyond Human: Body Electric (00:41)

Credits: Beyond Human: Body Electric