Laboratorium new episode: Russian scientists are developing a new generation of bionic prosthetics that allow users to perceive the size and firmness of objects even without visual input. This technology, featured on the programme “Laboratorium,” employs electrical stimulation to restore a sense of touch for amputees.
The bionic prosthetics are designed to send electrical signals to the remaining nerves in the patient’s limb, mimicking the sensations of touch and pressure. This allows users to regain a degree of sensory feedback, enabling them to manipulate objects with greater precision and control. Unexpectedly, this technology has also shown promise in alleviating phantom limb pain, a common and often debilitating condition experienced by amputees.
Further research is ongoing to refine the technology and understand the mechanisms behind the observed pain relief. The scientists involved believe that the electrical stimulation may help to rewire the nervous system, reducing the aberrant signals that are thought to cause phantom pain. The development of these advanced prosthetics offers new hope for amputees, potentially improving both their physical function and quality of life.
