Artificial hands will bring new hope for thousands
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Biomedical engineers in Edinburgh have given hope to thousands of infants born each year with parts of their hands missing, by developing the first "bionic" hand for children.
Biomedical engineers in Edinburgh have given hope to thousands of infants born each year with parts of their hands missing, by developing the first "bionic" hand for children.
The hand, about to go into commercial production after 16 years' development, has been designed by David Gow - the man who invented the artificial legs that enabled Jamie Andrew, the Scottish mountaineer who lost both legs in the Alps two years ago, to climb again.
The new bionic hand is powered by a small battery that has to be recharged in much the same way as a mobile phone. Muscle movements in the arm activate the battery, which in turn triggers pulses that move little motors (10 millimetres in diameter), allowing the hand to open and close.
Mr Gow, who is the director of rehabilitation engineering at the Princess Margaret Rose Hospital, said successful trials of the hand had been completed on five English youngsters.
"Its design means it can be adapted for left or right hand and enlarged as the child grows, or else made up as a complete hand and wrist," said Mr Gow, who two years ago invented the world's first electrically powered bionic shoulder for adults.
An English prosthetic limbs manufacturer, RSL Steeper, is to manufacture the "Gow hand", with a target launch date of August next year. Mr Gow expects the cost to the National Health Service of each hand to be less than £1,000.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments