Stories with Tag implant

• Surgery implants tooth material in eye as scaffolding for lens

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  Posted: 2025-02-28 04:26:52

  Verbose tl;dr

  A novel surgical technique, performed for the first time in Canada, uses a patient's own tooth as scaffolding to rebuild a damaged eye. The procedure, called modified osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (MOOKP), involves shaping a canine tooth and a small piece of jawbone into a support structure for an artificial lens implant. This structure is then implanted under the skin of the cheek for several months to allow it to grow new blood vessels. Finally, the tooth-bone structure, with the integrated lens, is transplanted into the eye, restoring vision for patients with severely damaged corneas where traditional corneal transplants aren't feasible. This procedure offers hope for people with limited treatment options for regaining their sight.

  In a groundbreaking and remarkably innovative surgical procedure performed at the University of Ottawa Eye Institute, a Canadian woman, Mairi Stewart, has received a bio-engineered ocular implant derived from her own tooth. This intricate operation, a Canadian first, offers a potential solution for patients suffering from severe corneal damage and represents a significant advancement in the field of ophthalmology. Ms. Stewart had been experiencing progressive vision loss due to a condition known as bullous keratopathy, a painful and debilitating ailment characterized by the formation of blisters on the cornea, the eye's transparent outer layer. This condition rendered her cornea opaque, effectively obstructing light from reaching her retina and causing significant impairment to her sight.

  Traditional treatments for bullous keratopathy, such as corneal transplants, often prove unsuccessful in cases as severe as Ms. Stewart's. The innovative procedure, known as modified osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (MOOKP), utilizes a patient's own tooth and surrounding bone as a biological scaffold to support an artificial lens. In a multi-stage operation, a portion of the patient's canine tooth, along with a segment of the surrounding jawbone, is meticulously extracted and shaped into a biocompatible platform. A customized artificial lens is then fitted into this natural pedestal, creating a functional visual prosthetic. This biological implant, derived from the patient's own tissue, significantly reduces the risk of rejection that can often complicate traditional corneal transplants.

  After a healing period of several months, during which blood vessels grow into the tooth-bone complex, this meticulously crafted bio-prosthesis is surgically implanted into the patient's eye, effectively replacing the damaged cornea. The innovative aspect of utilizing a patient's own dental material lies in its inherent biocompatibility, minimizing the risk of immune rejection. This complex procedure also offers improved structural stability compared to synthetic materials, contributing to a higher success rate in restoring functional vision. For Ms. Stewart, the procedure has been life-altering, providing her with renewed hope and the potential to regain a substantial degree of her lost vision. While the recovery process is ongoing, the initial results are promising, showcasing the potential of this innovative technique to transform the lives of individuals suffering from severe corneal damage. This Canadian medical breakthrough stands as a testament to the transformative potential of bio-engineering and its application in addressing complex medical challenges, paving the way for further advancements in vision restoration.

  • ophthalmology
  • surgery
  • eye surgery
  • lens
  • implant
  • tooth material
  • biomaterial
  • dental material
  • medical innovation
  • Healthcare
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • vision restoration
  • cornea
  • osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis
  • OOKP

  Summary of Comments ( 38 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43201682

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discuss the surprising case of a tooth implanted in a patient's eye to support a new lens. Several commenters express fascination with the ingenuity and adaptability of the human body, highlighting the unusual yet seemingly successful application of dental material in ophthalmology. Some question the long-term viability and potential complications of this procedure, while others ponder why a synthetic material wasn't used instead. A few users share personal anecdotes of similarly innovative medical procedures, demonstrating the resourcefulness of surgeons in unique situations. The overall sentiment is one of cautious optimism and amazement at the possibilities of medical science.

  The Hacker News post discussing the CBC article about a tooth being used in eye surgery to support a new lens has generated a number of comments, largely focusing on the fascinating and somewhat unsettling nature of the procedure.

  Several commenters express amazement at the ingenuity and adaptability of the human body, highlighting the unexpected ways in which different tissues and organs can be utilized for repair. The idea that a tooth, typically associated with chewing, can be repurposed to support vision is seen as a testament to the remarkable flexibility of biological systems.

  Some comments delve into the specific details of the procedure, questioning the rationale behind using a tooth and wondering about alternative materials. They discuss the potential benefits of using a patient's own tissue to minimize the risk of rejection, while also acknowledging the potential challenges of sourcing and shaping suitable autologous materials. The choice of a tooth is questioned, with some speculating about the reasons why it might be preferred over other options, such as bone grafts.

  A recurring theme is the "ick" factor associated with the procedure. Many commenters admit to finding the idea of a tooth in an eye somewhat disturbing, despite understanding the medical benefits. This visceral reaction is discussed in the context of the broader human tendency to be squeamish about certain medical procedures, even when they are life-improving.

  A few commenters share personal anecdotes about similar procedures or experiences with eye surgery, adding a personal dimension to the discussion. These stories provide further context and illustrate the diverse range of medical interventions available.

  There's a brief discussion about the terminology used in the article, with some commenters pointing out the technically incorrect usage of "bone" to describe the tooth material. This highlights the importance of accurate reporting in medical contexts.

  Finally, some comments express admiration for the medical professionals who developed and performed the procedure, acknowledging the skill and innovation required to successfully implement such a complex and unconventional treatment.

• Investigating an “evil” RJ45 dongle

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  Posted: 2025-01-17 20:41:56

  Verbose tl;dr

  A seemingly innocuous USB-C to Ethernet adapter, purchased from Amazon, was found to contain a sophisticated implant capable of malicious activity. This implant included a complete system with a processor, memory, and network connectivity, hidden within the adapter's casing. Upon plugging it in, the adapter established communication with a command-and-control server, potentially enabling remote access, data exfiltration, and other unauthorized actions on the connected computer. The author meticulously documented the hardware and software components of the implant, revealing its advanced capabilities and stealthy design, highlighting the potential security risks of seemingly ordinary devices.

  This blog post details a security researcher's in-depth analysis of a seemingly innocuous USB-to-Ethernet adapter, marketed under various names including "J-CREW JUE135" and suspected of containing malicious functionality. The author, known for their work in network security, begins by outlining the initial suspicion surrounding the device, stemming from reports of unexplained network activity and concerns about its unusually low price. The investigation starts with basic external observation, noting the device's compact size and labeling inconsistencies.

  The author then proceeds with a meticulous hardware teardown, carefully documenting each step with high-quality photographs. This process reveals the surprising presence of a complete, albeit miniature, System-on-a-Chip (SoC), far more complex than what is required for simple USB-to-Ethernet conversion. This unexpected discovery immediately raises red flags, suggesting the device possesses capabilities beyond its advertised function. The SoC is identified as a Microchip LAN7500, which, while not inherently malicious, is powerful enough to run embedded software, opening the possibility of hidden malicious code.

  The subsequent analysis delves into the device's firmware, extracted directly from the flash memory chip on the SoC. This analysis, aided by various reverse engineering tools and techniques, reveals the presence of a complex networking stack, including support for various protocols like DHCP, TCP, and UDP, again exceeding the requirements for basic Ethernet adaptation. Furthermore, the firmware analysis uncovers intriguing code segments indicative of functionalities such as network packet sniffing, data exfiltration, and even the ability to act as a covert network bridge.

  The author meticulously dissects these suspicious code segments, providing a detailed technical explanation of their potential operation and implications. The investigation strongly suggests the dongle is capable of intercepting and potentially modifying network traffic, raising serious security concerns. While the exact purpose and activation mechanism of these malicious functionalities remain somewhat elusive at the conclusion of the post, the author strongly suspects the device is designed for surreptitious network monitoring and data collection, potentially posing a significant threat to users' privacy and security. The post concludes with a call for further investigation and analysis, emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing seemingly benign devices for potential hidden threats. The author also notes the broader implications of this discovery, highlighting the potential for similar malicious hardware to be widely distributed and the challenges of detecting such threats.

  • RJ45
  • dongle
  • Hardware
  • Security
  • networking
  • Electronics
  • implant
  • surveillance
  • Cybersecurity
  • Malware
  • analysis
  • teardown
  • Reverse Engineering
  • Embedded Systems
  • Supply Chain Security

  Summary of Comments ( 149 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42743033

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discuss the practicality and implications of the "evil" RJ45 dongle detailed in the article. Some question the dongle's true malicious intent, suggesting it might be a poorly designed device for legitimate (though obscure) networking purposes like hotel internet access. Others express fascination with the hardware hacking and reverse-engineering process. Several commenters discuss the potential security risks of such devices, particularly in corporate environments, and the difficulty of detecting them. There's also debate on the ethics of creating and distributing such hardware, with some arguing that even proof-of-concept devices can be misused. A few users share similar experiences encountering unexpected or unexplained network behavior, highlighting the potential for hidden hardware compromises.

  The Hacker News post titled "Investigating an “evil” RJ45 dongle" (linking to an article on lcamtuf.substack.com) generated a substantial discussion with a variety of comments. Several commenters focused on the security implications of such devices, expressing concerns about the potential for malicious actors to compromise networks through seemingly innocuous hardware. Some questioned the practicality of this specific attack vector, citing the cost and effort involved compared to software-based exploits.

  A recurring theme was the "trust no hardware" sentiment, emphasizing the inherent vulnerability of relying on third-party devices without thorough vetting. Commenters highlighted the difficulty of detecting such compromised hardware, especially given the increasing complexity of modern electronics. Some suggested open-source hardware as a potential solution, allowing for greater transparency and community-based scrutiny.

  Several commenters discussed the technical aspects of the dongle's functionality, including the use of a microcontroller and the potential methods of data exfiltration. There was speculation about the specific purpose of the device, ranging from targeted surveillance to broader network mapping.

  Some commenters drew parallels to other known hardware-based attacks, reinforcing the ongoing need for vigilance in hardware security. Others shared anecdotes of encountering suspicious or malfunctioning hardware, adding a practical dimension to the theoretical discussion. A few commenters offered humorous takes on the situation, injecting levity into the otherwise serious conversation about cybersecurity.

  Several threads delved into the specifics of USB device functionality and the various ways a malicious device could interact with a host system. This included discussion of USB descriptors, firmware updates, and the potential for exploiting vulnerabilities in USB drivers.

  The overall sentiment seemed to be one of cautious concern, acknowledging the potential threat posed by compromised hardware while also recognizing the need for further investigation and analysis. The discussion provided valuable insights into the complex landscape of hardware security and the challenges of protecting against increasingly sophisticated attack vectors. The diverse perspectives offered by the commenters contributed to a rich and informative conversation surrounding the topic of the "evil" RJ45 dongle.