At present, there are around 1.9 million people living with limb loss in the United States alone. The majority of these cases are caused by vascular disease, cancer and diabetes. Other causes include birth defects, infections and injuries, specifically from vehicular accidents and military combats.
Most amputees are traumatized by their loss, which makes them feel sad, angry or frustrated. They are at higher risk of depression. Just imagine having to live with a missing limb!
Fortunately, a newly invented artificial skin could help amputees feel again. More information is reported by Maggie Fox on NBC News:
Artificial Skin Could Help Amputees Feel What They’re Touching
Researchers have developed a thin artificial skin that they hope could be used to help amputees feel what they’re touching with prosthetic hands or limbs.
It’s an unusual combination of a stretchy, rubber-based plastic and carbon nanotubes, with electrodes applied using an inkjet printer. It translates the pressure of a touch into a digital signal, the researchers report in the journal Science.
Read more…
Now that this artificial skin could help amputees feel and bring back their sense of touch, hopefully, the cases of depression among them will decrease as well.
Families and friends should be very understanding, no matter what. If you think you need more help, there are medical counselling and support groups available.
Image Credit: Artificial Skin Could Help Amputees Feel What They’re Touching – NBC News
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