We’re certainly living in exciting times. Whether exploring the outer reaches of the galaxy or furthering our grasp on how things work here on earth, innovations in technology continue to improve our quality of life.
The latest success story comes from the world of prosthetics. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, has developed a prosthetic hand that replicated the feeling of touch in a paralyzed man.
Better Living through Technology
The synthetic hand has enabled a 28-year-old man to feel physical sensations for the first time since his paralysis a decade ago. This sophisticated technology represents a breakthrough in prosthetics. To date, scientists had successfully developed artificial limbs that could be controlled by thoughts, but this prosthetic hand is the first artificial limb to relay sensory information back to the brain, completing the loop.
Chances are, most of us won’t need artificial limbs. But for those who will, this development harkens a new era. The inventive leap evidenced with the new prosthetic hand shows us that technological advances are progressing at an ever-increasing pace.
In Good Hands
If our eyes are the windows to the soul, our hands are the gateway that allows us to access the world. They are perhaps our most vital tools, with which we grasp, hold, touch, feel and manipulate. All of this wear and tear can leave our hands in need of some rejuvenation.
Over time, many of us will encounter issues, whether it’s arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures or other injuries. However, even if surgical options can’t always provide a full fix, we can take heart in knowing that new medical innovations will offer more recovery options, as well as improving quality of life.
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