Medical Device Link -- Many prosthetic devices incorporate microelectronics and robotic components, but they cannot accurately mimic the motions of actual limbs. For example, current prosthetic devices do not provide feedback to the wearer or adjust to variable loads or complex terrains. To address this problem, scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL; Livermore, CA; www.llnl.gov) have developed a technique that enables nanowires to function like nerve cells, opening the door to improved communication between prosthetic devices and the body.
