Bionics update

News Card #7
More Bionic News.
The first in bionic fingers have recently been showcased, costing in the area of 35,000-45,000 pounds sterling, they are controlled directly by the brain and require no surgery. The prototypes allow recipients to grip a glass to drink, to hold a knife and fork they also allow the user to write. Truly a great step forward for people with badly damaged fingers and hands, and also those people born without fingers. The partial hand amputee population is estimated at around 52,000 in the EU and 1.2 million worldwide. The Pro-Digits provide a powered device with a grip and they can return these people to a level of functionality and independence. Each set is tailor made for its user and thus comes at a large price, but at what price is the use of hands considered to be expensive. With the advancement of today’s technology we are seeing the reality of the 1970’s sci-fi show the bionic man, are we entering an age of super heroes, people who would have once been forced to live a life at a disadvantage, maybe as it stands it truly does look like Steve Austin can be rebuilt.

Source: www.thetimes.co.uk 8th Dec 2009