Bionic prosthetics ability to feel!

If upper-limb amputee was able to obtain a bionic prosthetic that they could control with their mind, and re-obtain the ability to have dexterity, one would ask how any if this could go wrong? Well, one problem does present that these patients once again have the ability to control a limb and manipulate it, but they cannot feel what they are doing presumably required for the fine motor skills.   This article addresses these issues with bionic prosthetics. Scientists have now discovered how to attach the left over sensory nerve fibers to  tell the patient how hard or light the pressure they are applying is, which is  being given by the sensory, pressure, and temperature receptors of the prosthetic.

Currently, the prosthetic is being tested on animals, but there is hope for a version for human amputees to try out the device soon!  Patients have exclaimed their excitement about hugging their children with both hands and actually being able to feel it!  The University of Michigan is excited about the upcoming improvements of the limb.


http://www.wndu.com/mmm/headlines/90387464.html?device=phone