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Commotion with Corrosion
This is not another boring science topic that will put you off to sleep. Trust me, I'll make this as simple and as interesting read as possible. Corrosion's dictionary meaning is synonymous to a list of words like rusting, corroding,...

Dreams of Reality - The View, and the Point of View
A Dialogue about Art - Excerpts Between: Roberto Calvo Macias and Sam Vaknin Roberto: What's the meaning of it? Its sense? Why did that Altamira Cave man paint those animals, Why? For magical purposes? as a religious act? What was his...

In the Wake of Katrina: The Wrath of Mother Nature
When natural disaster hits there are usually more questions than answers. Why did this happen? Can something like this be prevented from happening again? What does this all mean? In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, people are asking these and many...

Psychic Discoveries Behind the Iron Curtain
We can ask the reader to see if the T-square of the Masons which Churchward details has a 50,000 year history, which we have dealt with, has any application in this report you might remember from Psychic Discoveries Behind The Iron Curtain ...

The Science of Science!
What is Science! ? First of all, Science! is not the same as science. Science! is the study and knowledge of all things scientific, quasiscientific, or pseudoscientific. Anything that is obscure, incoherent, or improbable is made clear...

 
Advances in Prosthetic Devices Offer Increased Freedom for Amputees

Strong but lightweight materials and advances in technology have translated into more comfort and higher function for amputees.

In the past artificial limbs were made of wood and existed without moving joints, so that above the joint amputations in particular severely limited the mobility of the individual. In addition, the heavy wooden construction made the use of a prosthesis difficult and uncomfortable. Now, modern lightweight materials increase the comfort level of prosthetic use enormously, and new technology allows much more freedom of movement, even with above the joint amputations.

Prosthetic devices with moveable joints have gone through a number of transformations. Developing from a fairly clumsy mechanical joint to ones with robotic capability, joints have gone from operating using the musculature of the affected limb to being able to directly access electrical impulses from the body of the amputee, or from a computer within the artificial limb itself. In addition, robotic devices using built-in computer technology allow for much more subtle limb movements, allowing for more natural capability.

This new technology has translated into an immense sense of freedom for the amputee. People wearing these modern limbs are running marathons, participating in downhill ski competitions, and engaging in all sorts of sports and other recreational activities that were barred to them in the past. Perhaps even more importantly, they are more easily able to function in the everyday world, meeting work requirements along with


their non-disabled coworkers, and keeping up with family and friends in their free time.

An Increase in Self-Esteem

When a previously able-bodied person is suddenly faced with amputation of one or more limbs, whether because of an accident, war injury, complications of diabetes, or cancer, the trauma of the situation is a blow to the individual's core identity. One's body image is shattered, and a host of fears set in: fear of losing mobility, becoming dependent on others for their basic care, of facing a lifetime of severely limited opportunities.

Being fitted with a modern, functional artificial limb and then learning to use it can seem like a kind of miracle. As people become more proficient and realize the possibilities opening up to them, their self-esteem soars, and they can begin to look forward to a productive, happy and option-filled life.

The Future of Prosthetics

The technology continues to improve in this important area of medicine. Currently, scientific researchers are perfecting a computerized robotic limb which can be directed by neuronal impulses in the brain - in other words by an individual's thoughts. As the science of prosthetics progresses, it promises to further enhance the lives of those maimed by amputation.

About the author:

Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire and frequently contributes to Tips and Topics. She may be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com.

 

Science/AAAS | Scientific research, news and career information
International weekly science journal, published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
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Science/AAAS | Table of Contents: 1 December 2006; 314 (5804)
This Week in Science: Editor summaries of this week's papers. Science 1 December 2006: 1349. ... 2006 American Association for the Advancement of Science. ...
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Science.gov : FirstGov for Science - Government Science Portal
Science.gov is a gateway to government science information provided by US Government science agencies, including research and development results.
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AAAS web magazine. Some free sample stories, subscription required for full text.
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Welcome to the Science Museum
London museum and library of science. Exhibitions cover all areas of science and technology. Includes online exhibits and a learning area.
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