Latest news with #prosthetics
Forbes
2 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
L3C Helps Maker Of Bionic Hand Serve Those Who Can't Afford It
When he was about seven years old Aadeel Akhtar visited Pakistan with his parents, who were born there, and observed something he'd never seen in his hometown of Chicago—a girl around his age missing a limb and using a tree branch to get around. That's when Akhtar, now 38, decided he was going to invent prosthetics that could help people missing limbs. In 2015, he founded San Diego-based Psyonic to achieve that goal, starting with a bionic hand for both humans and robots. Only there was a problem: While Medicare covered the device, that left out a great many people who could benefit from using it but couldn't afford the price. So in 2022, he decided to form a Psyonic Institute L3c, a low-profit liability company (L3C) to finance prosthetic hands for those who wouldn't otherwise have the money to get one. The primary reason: 'L3Cs can accept program-related investment (PRIs) from foundations,' says Akhtar. L3Cs are LLCs whose raison d'etre is to further charitable or educational purposes. In addition, producing a profit isn't the primary goal and they aren't aimed at accomplishing political objectives. Called the Ability Hand, the prosthetic's secret sauce is its ability to allow the recipient to control the hand, using muscles from the remaining limb, turning them into electronic signals. Users can feel sensation from multiple areas of their bionic fingers when they touch an object. Take Sergeant Garrett Anderson, who lost his hand in Iraq when an improvised explosive device exploded in 2005. 'He says he can now hold and feel his daughter's hand,' says Akhtar. During a demonstration at a Shark Tank presentation last year, he also broke a sizeable plank of wood in half. Career Pivot Akhtar originally pursued a medical degree, getting a BA in biology and MAs in computer science and electrical and computer engineering. But while studying to get a MD/PhD in neuroscience, he decided to leave medical school to form a company. While in school, he also worked with the Range of Motion Project, a nonproft which provides prosthetics to people who couldn't otherwise afford them. They developed a clunky hand, but the experience made him decide to leave his MD/PhD program and start a business to develop a new kind of prosthetic hand. Then in 2022, dissatisfied with the device's lack of affordability for most people, he decided to form an L3C—what would essentially be a philanthropic arm able to accept PRIs from foundations, something that seemed to Akhtar to be a more effective approach than choosing to start a nonprofit. Akhtar recently formed the Ability Fund, which can accept donations to give someone $25,000 for getting a bionic hand, in partnership with the Range of Motion Project. The L3c is facilitating the fundraising. Raising Money and Next Steps In 2020, the company closed on a $1.4 million round from angel investors and venture capital. Last year, they closed on a $4.1 million seed round from more than 2,300 investors through an equity crowd-funding campaign. Akhtar chose that route in part because of the company's substantial social media presence. According to Akhtar, half of sales come from an active and effective social media campaign. Last year, he also appeared on an episode of Shark Tank, where three of the judges agreed to invest a total of $1 million for a 6% equity stake. The company is moving to a 22,000-square-foot manufacturing plant and Akhtar is eyeing an IPO at some point so he can ramp up production. He plans to introduce a new Ability Hand over the next two years, to redesign the device for partial-hand amputees and also to produce a leg prosthetic.
Fox News
22-07-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Bionic knee helps amputees walk naturally again
Kicking a ball or climbing stairs with ease after a leg amputation above the knee is now within reach. Researchers at MIT have developed a bionic knee that redefines mobility for above-the-knee amputees. Unlike traditional socket-based prosthetics, this system anchors directly to the bone and integrates with the surrounding muscle tissue. The result is faster, smoother, and more natural movement. Led by Professor Hugh Herr, the MIT team created a solution that doesn't just mimic motion, it responds to intent. This level of control allows the prosthesis to move in sync with the body, delivering a seamless experience that challenges the very definition of artificial limbs. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my How the e-OPRA bionic knee for amputees works The tech is called e-OPRA (Enhanced Osseointegrated Prostheses for the Rehabilitation of Amputees). It involves surgically implanting a titanium rod into the femur, which connects directly to a robotic prosthetic limb. This rod becomes the foundation of a new kind of interface between the body and machine. But it doesn't stop there. Using a specialized surgical technique known as Agonist-Antagonist Myoneural Interface (AMI), muscles are reconnected in functional pairs. These muscles "talk" to each other, sending signals to the robotic controller, which calculates exactly how the knee should move, mirroring how a real leg works. Natural movement restored with the bionic knee for amputees In trials, two patients with this integrated system not only performed better, but they also felt better. They moved faster, climbed stairs with more ease, and avoided obstacles with greater confidence. Most importantly, they felt like the prosthetic was part of their body. One participant with only a few inches of thigh remaining could walk, pivot, and even kick a ball smoothly. This kind of intuitive, natural movement is a game-changer for above-the-knee amputees. Why the bionic knee for amputees is a major breakthrough Traditional socket-based prosthetics can be uncomfortable, unstable, and prone to infections. They often feel foreign, like a tool strapped to the body rather than a part of it. The bionic knee bypasses the socket altogether. By connecting directly to bone and muscle, it improves load-bearing, reduces skin problems, and most importantly, restores a sense of control. And control isn't just physical, it's emotional and psychological. Patients using the e-OPRA system reported a greater sense of agency and body ownership than those with traditional or partially-integrated prosthetics. MIT's bionic knee for amputees driven by lived experience Professor Hugh Herr isn't just leading the research; he's living it. After losing both legs below the knee to frostbite in his teens, he returned to mountain climbing and dedicated his career to advancing prosthetic technology. His personal journey powers a lab at MIT that continues to push the boundaries of biomechatronics. And now, that journey may change the lives of above-the-knee amputees worldwide. When the bionic knee for amputees will be available While the results are groundbreaking, the e-OPRA system isn't on the market yet. Larger clinical trials and FDA approval are still ahead. Herr estimates that within five years, this technology could become more accessible to patients. Kurt's key takeaways We're witnessing the future of prosthetics unfold. The bionic knee developed by MIT doesn't just restore function, it redefines it. By merging advanced robotics with the human nervous system, it offers amputees something priceless: the feeling that their body is whole again. What role do you think technology should play in redefining the limits of the human body? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Zawya
17-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Egypt: Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation inspects the Prosthetics Center in Matrouh and witnesses the delivery and maintenance of 100 prosthetic limbs for mine victims and affected people
In continuation of implementing the directives of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to localize the prosthetics and assistive devices industry and support mine victims in Matrouh Governorate, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, visited the Prosthetics Center in Matrouh to follow up on its efforts to support the injured and mine victims in the governorate, in cooperation with the Armed Forces Center for Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Rheumatology, and witnessed the delivery and maintenance of 100 prosthetic limbs for the injured people of the governorate who were affected by the mines. During the visit, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat listened to the people of Matrouh who were affected by mines and held a dialogue about the mechanism for applying for a prosthetic limb, the manufacturing timeline, and obtaining it, reaffirming the government's keenness to provide prosthetic devices with the highest levels and standards of efficiency, enabling the injured to reintegrate into society. She also emphasized the government's interest in supporting development efforts in border governorates, whether through the investment plan or the presidential initiative 'Decent Life.' The Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation also inspected the process of manufacturing and fitting prosthetic devices at the Prosthetics Center by the center's officials, stressing the need to adhere to the highest standards of efficiency and ensure continuous maintenance of prosthetic devices for the people of Matrouh. Furthermore, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized the keenness to maximizing the efforts exerted by the Prosthetics Center in Matrouh, in coordination with the relevant entities, especially the Armed Forces Center for Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Rheumatology, to provide all aspects of support to the people affected by mines in Matrouh Governorate, by enabling them to reintegrate into society and overcome challenges that prevent their effective participation in various aspects of life. H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat added that the ministry, in cooperation with the relevant national entities and in implementation of the directives of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, is working on developing the Prosthetics Center in Matrouh in collaboration with the German side, in a way that contributes to enhancing its efficiency and strengthening its role in localizing the prosthetics industry in Egypt. Last week, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat signed the reciprocal letters for the feasibility study grant for the National Prosthetic System Development Project, amounting to 1.52 million Chinese yuan, which aims to position Egypt as a regional hub in the Middle East and Africa for providing prosthetic limbs and assistive devices for people with disabilities, as well as acquiring manufacturing capability according to internationally approved standards. It is worth noting that in 2007, the Executive Secretariat for Mine Clearance was established at the ministry under Ministerial Decree No. (125) to act as a national coordination and contact point among all entities concerned with mine clearance and the development of the North West Coast, whether governmental, private sector, or civil society, and to mobilize the financial resources necessary to implement its activities. Its current geographical scope of work covers the NorthWest Coast and its desert hinterland, from El-Hammam in the east to El-Salloum in the west and Siwa to the south. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation - Egypt.
The Sun
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
More than 80,000 people lose limbs in Ukraine war as staggering human cost of Putin's cruel invasion is laid bare
MORE than 80,000 people have lost limbs as a result of the conflict in Ukraine, according to a charity which wants to highlight the human cost of Russia's invasion. Data from Superhumans, a modern war trauma centre, which specialises in prosthetics, reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation in war-torn Ukraine, revealed that war injuries were rising by up to 15 per cent annually. 7 7 7 7 To raise awareness, the statue of modern health trailblazer Florence Nightingale has had her iconic lamp replaced by a prosthetic painted in Ukrainian colours - with additional prosthetics also placed around the base of the statue. The artificial limbs include a QR code directing people to a video series, "Ukraine: Defending Freedom", featuring the personal stories of patients of the Superhumans Center. It was led by the Superhumans Center and has been backed by Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Unite, as well as Heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk. CEO of the charity, Olga Rudnieva, said: "We want to keep attention on the war in Ukraine and highlight the ongoing battle we're having to supply those in need. "Florence Nightingale is famously associated with her work during the Crimean war, which took place in the region now known as Ukraine, where she led a group of nurses to take care of wounded soldiers. "In the modern era, the development of prosthetics means that people can get back to living life normally and it's our aim, in an abnormal circumstance, to get people feeling themselves again." The Superhumans war trauma center was built in four-and-a-half months in Lviv during the full-scale invasion in 2022, providing services to more than 2,000 patients during its inception. And this year, it has expanded into Dnipro and Odessa. One of those to benefit from the expertise of the charity is Briton Eddy Scott, 28, from Dorset. Formerly a sailor, he went to Ukraine in October 2022 as a humanitarian volunteer, delivering drinking water to cut off frontline towns, repairing war damaged homes and assisting medical teams. Trump shipping long-range missiles to Ukraine will change face of war' after 'p****d' Don's patience with Putin runs out However, on 30 January this year, when assisting in transporting civilians out of Pokrovsk, his clearly marked humanitarian van was targeted and hit by an FPV drone. Everyone survived the blast; however, Eddy was seriously injured, losing his left arm and leg in the attack. But through the support of Superhumans and other organisations he is progressing well, with his focus being on continuing to support Ukraine in whatever way he can. Eddy Scott said, "It is so important that we continue to talk about Ukraine. So many people have forgotten that this war is still happening. All of us are tired, but it doesn't mean that we can stop." Speaking on behalf of Virgin Unite, Sir Richard Branson said: "Ukraine's fight is not just for its own future, but for the ideals of freedom and democracy everywhere. "Since Russia 's invasion, the Ukrainian people have paid a terrible price. They've sacrificed their limbs, homes, and lives. "It's easy, from a distance, to feel fatigue or helplessness. But we cannot look away. "Freedom is never free, and Ukraine is paying the cost on all our behalf." 7 7
CNN
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
This artist's uncanny transformations have captured the internet. CNN gets an inside look
Transformative makeup artist Elliot Joseph Rentz, better known as Alexis Stone, has impersonated hundreds of famous characters over the course of his career -- from Mrs Doubtfire to Cruella Deville, Lana Del Rey and Jack Nicholson. Working with a team, he takes the discipline of movie makeup and prosthetics into the real world, often fooling press and the public. CNN gained unique access inside his home and studio in Scotland ahead of the latest -- and potentially last -- collaboration with Balenciaga, under creative director 'Demna,' becoming Anjelica Huston's legendary interpretation of Morticia Addams for the occasion.
