Innovation

Prosthesis Re-creates Sensation of Touch

Researchers surgically implanted electrodes into the upper-arm nerves of a man whose limb had been amputated at the forearm, partially and temporarily restoring his sense of touch and improving his ability to operate a motorized prosthesis. The electrodes responded to sensors on the prosthetic hand and stimulated the upper-arm nerves that once extended down the limb, making the user feel like sensation was emanating from his missing hand.