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
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