Did anyone see 60 Minutes on Sunday Sept 20?  They did a report on the DEKA Arm - "the biggest innovation in prosthetic arms since WW II".  Please keep in mind that I do not work in the field of O&P... I am previously an accountant who has a passion for adventure sports and advocates for those who do not think an active and adventurous lifestyle is possible for them.  Though I have an appreciation for, and understanding of, both physics and engineering I am the gal who fixes stuff with duct tape and WD40!

Back to the topic at hand (no pun intended).  Dean Kamen - who created, among several medical devices, the Segway (now you are talking my game - FYI, when the governor is removed, those suckers can fly!); has been tapped to lead the development of a prototype "bionic arm".  Bottom line, the 60 Minutes story was informative and interesting, with a touch of amazing.  Technology that allows an upper extremity amputee to grab a grape off its stalk is un-be-lievable!  I can only imagine what the future has in store; as this is only a prototype!

www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/04/10/60minutes/main4935509.shtml

Please note that my interest in sharing this story has nothing to do with the politics of the war, the cost for this prototype, what $ went to AIG, fiber optics, or a humans opposable thumb (in "comments" after the story).  I am genuinely excited by this technology and wanted to share.  I would also welcome respectful discussion about this technology.

Catch ch'ya'll later.  Remember to choose Happy!