“Feeling” Prosthetic Limb Offers Sensation To Amputees

Ignoring conventional limitations associated with prosthetic limbs, scientists have worked to afford amputees the ability to feel once again.

Through a process called targeted reinnervation, severed nerves are attached to the skin just above the amputation. A sensor is then attached to the portion of reinnervated skin, that mimics pressure placed on the prosthetic limb in real time. For amputees tested, seeing and feeling their prosthetic limbs being touched created an illusion of embodiment, or feeling of oneness, with their artificial limbs.

By essentially fooling the brain, the process may allow amputees to seamlessly interact with their prosthetic limbs in the future. The development marks an inspiring moment for prosthetic limb research.

[via USA News]

Image by Cambodia Trust