New bionic limb use electrodes, sensors for sensation

ETH Zurich and other European universities developed a leg neuro-prosthesis that provides sensory feedback to amputees. A study published in Science Translational Medicine tested the prosthetic on three amputees, showing improved obstacle detection, fall prevention, and walking speed. The prosthetic uses electrodes and sensors to send signals to the brain, allowing amputees to feel their leg as they walk.

Which institutions collaborated to develop the leg neuro-prosthesis?

• ETH Zurich and several European universities

• MIT and Harvard University

• Stanford University and Caltech

• University of Tokyo and Seoul National University

What was one of the activities performed by amputees to test the prosthetic?

• Running a marathon

• Cycling on a track

• Walking up and down stairs

• Swimming in a pool

What benefit did the sensorized prosthetic provide to the participants?

• It allowed them to jump higher

• It improved their vision

• It enhanced their hearing

• It enabled them to feel obstacles underfoot

How did scientists enable the prosthetic to send sensory information to the brain?

• By implanting tiny electrodes into the residual nerves

• By using wireless technology

• By using a smartphone app

• By attaching external sensors to the skin

What part of the body did the prosthetic allow amputees to feel?

• Their back

• Their shoulders

• Their knee, heel, and foot

• Their hands