Health and Healthcare

Electricity could be the future of medicine. Here's why

Research scientist Levi Hargrove describes a robotic prosthesis at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's Center for Bionic Medicine, April 13, 2011. Hailey Daniswicz, a sophomore at Northwestern University who her lost her lower leg to bone cancer, is training a computer to recognize slight movements in her thigh so she can eventually be fitted with a "bionic" leg - a robotic prosthesis she would control with her own nerves and muscles. Daniswicz is part of a clinical trial sponsored by the U.S. Army that is using electromyography - electrical signals produced by muscles - and pattern recognition computer software to control a new generation of robotic limbs. Picture taken April 13, 2011. REUTERS/John Gress (UNITED STATES - Tags: HEALTH SCI TECH) - GM1E74L06J601

A new tool in doctors' toolboxes? Image: REUTERS/John Gress

Benjamin W Metcalfe
Assistant Professor of Engineering, University of Bath
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Galvani made frogs’ legs move with electricity.
Image: Luigi Galvani/Wikimedia Commons
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