Scientists in Austria have created an artificial leg which allows the amputee to feel lifelike sensations from their foot.
How it works
Surgeons first rewired nerve endings in the patient's stump to place them close to the skin surface.
Six sensors were fitted to the base of the foot, to measure the pressure of heel, toe and foot movement.
These signals were relayed to a micro-controller which relayed them to stimulators inside the shaft where it touched the base of the stump.
These vibrated, stimulating the nerve endings under the skin, which relayed the signals to the brain.
Full article:
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-33052091
#scitech #bionicLimb #health
It is amazing how quickly technology is progressing. One day, maybe artificial nerves can be used, or grown from stem cells. With no need for microprocessors or wires
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