Nanowire skin!!!

Something that is really interesting to me is the whole world of prosthetics.  I recently found an article on new artificial skin technology while completing a project in my biology class.

The article is about new technology in artificial skin made out of nanowires.  Engineers from the University of California, Berkeley, have been working on finding a more realistic skin that can be used with prosthetics in order to make daily activities more normal for those who have lost limbs of any sort, especially hands.  This new skin is made of semiconductor nanowires, allowing for more sensitivity to touch.  The skin is the first to use inorganic single crystalline semiconductors.  They operate on low voltage because of their inorganic nature.  The single crystalline structure makes them very flexible.  These are two things that have not been achievable in the past. 

Also, the "printing" of this structure is much easier than it has been in the past.  It can be rubbed onto the desired surface as well as "printed" onto the material.  This new "e-skin" is highly sensitive, so it can pick up a glass or an egg without breaking it.  In order to live a normal life, these are all things that are very necessary.  It is durable and is almost as effective as human skin. 

Perhaps the best part of this new innovation is its call for more forward movement.  In order for the new skin to work, the technology that will connect the new feelings to the brain must develop.  The goal is that one day all of the technology will work together cohesively and the people who have lost their limbs will be able to live comfortably in normal daily life.

Information from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100912151550.htm

What to say...

This blog is pretty much going to be about the things that I love.  I am a senior and my school requires that every student completes a senior project.  For this project students need to do research as well as community outreach.  This blog will require both.  I will have many research-based entries, but I will also talk about my personal team (especially around build season).

I have been part of FIRST robotics for four years now, and I've loved every second of it.  It has shaped me into who I am today, and I've been blessed with such a fantastic experience.  I was treasurer of my team in my sophomore year, as well as safety captain.  In my junior year I became co-captain, as well as co-spirit captain.  This year I'm doing a little less, as I am just spirit captain.  I love to be part of all aspects of the team, so I think all of those positions have been fitting.

Contrary to common belief, there is more to me than just robotics.  I love to hang out with friends and I am part of my school's SASS club (Student Abolitionists Stopping Slavery).  As any FIRSTer will know, however, robotics takes up a ton of time.  Luckily for me, I love it, and wouldn't trade it for the world.

So that's pretty much me!  Please follow, as I will post something new every week!!  I hope you enjoy it!