14 June 2002 - Tooth implant to pick up secret sounds

A revolutionary new design for a tooth implant which receives digital signals from radios and mobile phones will be on show from 21 June until November at the Science Museum, London. This unique prototype is part of the new 'Future Product' awards, a collaboration between the Science Museum and the Royal College of Art that is supported by NESTA (the National Endowment for Science, Technology & the Arts). The awards aim to increase the public understanding of science, technology and the arts by showcasing young talent.

The tooth implant was designed by James Auger, from Derby, whose work was chosen from the Royal College of Art's renowned annual summer exhibition - The Show 2001. James was helped by fellow Royal College of Art graduate Jimmy Loizeau, from Rhyl. James and Jimmy have recently joined the Well-Being group at Media Lab Europe and are continuing their investigations into futuristic biotechnology, with a particular emphasis on the social implications of technology.

The design builds upon the current form of replacement surgery, such as artificial joints, to produce the first commodity based in-body product. A micro-vibration device and a wireless receiver are implanted in the tooth during routine dental surgery and sound is transferred from the tooth into the inner ear by bone resonance, converting digital signals to audio. Sound reception is totally discreet enabling information to be received anywhere and at anytime, whether it is City traders receiving stock market information in the cinema or spin-doctors sending information to politicians as they are interviewed. Sven-Goran Eriksson could keep his customary cool during a match by issuing instructions to individual players without even having to raise his voice.

Stories of tooth fillings acting as receivers to pick up radio signals has long been debated as a possible urban myth. James' tooth implant design communicates with an array of digital devices, such as mobile telephones, radio and computers. Either a mobile phone or a dedicated device is used as the long range receiver, this can fully customise the users set up to meet their personal requirements.

James' design is meant to be a talking point only, exploring the possible social and cultural impact of in-body technology. This could have the potential to rewrite Darwinism, as future advantageous mutations will not be random, they will be chosen by the individual.

NESTA has made an investment of £15,000 over three years to support the 'Future Product' display. This will develop opportunities for talented young designers to share their working practice and approaches to creativity and innovation.

The 'Future Product' criteria for selection include innovative design, the use of contemporary technology and a connection to everyday life. Each award winner will work with the curator, Nick Stewart, to develop their exhibit; this includes the display of the product as well as interactive displays showing how the work was developed, for example, original sketches, photographs and quotes.

Displayed on the ground floor of the new Wellcome Wing at the Science Museum, the 'Future Product' forms part of the 'Talking Points' exhibition. 'Talking Points' are a series of thought-provoking exhibits that engage visitors through an interesting mix of objects, art works and interactive exhibits spanning the three disciplines of science, technology and the arts.