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Concert Pianist Gets World's 'First Bionic Fingers'

by Caleb Johnson on December 9, 2009 at 03:30 PM

For just a second, imagine losing the very tool you use to make your livelihood. That sinking feeling in your gut is exactly how Maria Antonia Iglesias, a Spanish concert pianist, felt when she lost all of her fingers in 2003 after developing a health problem. But thanks to a medical and technological breakthrough, there's a light at the end of the tunnel for her -- and possibly others, too.

According to Fox News, Iglesias is one patient who recently received what scientists are calling the world's first bionic fingers from Touch Bionics. The custom-made creation, which is dubbed "ProDigits," allows her to perform tasks like writing, using a fork, and picking up a glass. For Iglesias, this ability is worth more than gold (or the $57,000 to $73,000 that the devices cost). "I am very pleased to be part of this project, and the benefits my new hand is giving me are like a dream," she said. The motor-powered, faux-fingers are covered by a robotic skin that uses sensors to communicate with any functioning muscles.

Iglesias may never tickle the ivories like she once could, but advances in medicine like this and others we've told you about, sure do put a smile on our faces. With more research, who knows? Iglesias may be coming to a concert hall near you in a (full-fingered) snap. [From: Fox News]

Tags: bionic, breakthrough, finger, medicine, music, piano, research, science, top, visionary

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