Scientists at the fabulously named Houston University Space Vacuum Epitaxy Center have stumbled on some great news for those with failing vision. Titanium based technology being developed by NASA for space surveillance somehow revealed that titanium microchips could replace failed retinal cells on the back of the eyeball and "re-connect" the signals between eye and brain.

Meanwhile MicroMedical Industries Ltd (MMD) in Australia have been testing a revolutionary rotary valve heart made of titanium. The metal was chosen (as it is in bikes) for it's lightweight, ultra strong and non corrosive properties and it obviously stops the problems of waiting for suitable donor organs.

Both devices are expected to begin human trials later this year, and be readily available a couple of years after that.

Presumably all sorts of arguments will then start on whether you can tell the difference between a Merlin heart and a cheaper Rock Lobster one!