Some returning soldiers from Iraq and other battlefields require a state-of-the-art prosthetic device if injuries have claimed a foot, ankle or leg.

Prosthetics are becoming more advanced all the time. In that regard, U.S. researchers have unveiled a new computerized prosthetic ankle and foot that mimics a real human ankle due to a self-contained power source along with multiple springs inside the unit.

Having a lower-body prosthetic that shows no signs of a limp would be a breakthrough for the self-confidence of amputees, and battle-tested and injured soldiers deserve no less.

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The iLimb, from Touch Bionics, is now generally available and has been successfully fitted to patients all across the U.S. and in Europe. The iLimb is a big deal because it not only looks like a real human hand but it acts like one too, with 5 individually powered fingers and the ability to sense when enough pressure has been applied in delicate situations like picking up a glass or holding someone's hand. And it can even be adapted to fit people who only need a partial hand due to missing fingers from accident, war, or congenital defect.

This iLimb totally looks like something out of the movie iRobot, don't you think? Must be the white plastic.

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A 15 year old kid in Nashville, TN has invented an artificial skin-like covering for prosthetic limbs using bubble wrap. The kid, Grayson Rosenburger, found his inspiration through a combination of his parents' work with prosthetic patients in Africa and the Sealed Air Corp's inaugural Bubble Wrap competition for young inventors. Many amputees in Africa can't afford anything but the metal rod version of a prosthesis, but later this year Grayson plans to travel with his parents to start putting his invention to use in the real world by offering people his low-cost bubble wrap alternative.

I spend my time popping the bubbles and giggling anytime I get a hold of bubble wrap packaging, so it's good to know there's people out there doing things that are seriously worthwhile!

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