They just did what!?

I’m a long way from needing my hand amputated but I have certainly had some experiences over the past couple years that have made me realize how two handed and opposable thumb dependent out world is. From tying shoelaces to taking paper towels from the dispensers the world is built for two hands that function in the ways we have labelled normal. People are amazing at adapting but I know what it is like to lose the things you love to do and it sucks. Sure you might be able to find something else that you enjoy, but nothing really takes the place of what you lost. Which is why this article in Science Daily is so incredible. Researchers are using ultrasound to detect what finger a below the elbow amputee would be moving if he still had his fingers, and the prosthetic hand moves that finger. This is well beyond the typical prosthetics that offered limited sensitivity and only a couple motions. It has allowed one particular individual to play music again. Imagine what else will be possible.

Check out the full article

Georgia Institute of Technology. “The force is strong: Amputee controls individual prosthetic fingers.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 11 December 2017. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/12/171211151640.htm>.