Stanford University scientists have created a new plastic skin that has qualities of human skin and is intended for use on patients with artificial limbs. The skin is conductive, sensitive to touch and repeatedly self-healing.

When tested, this skin healed itself within 30 minutes after being cut with a scalpel. The skin’s conductive properties mean a patient with an artificial hand could feel the sensation of a handshake due to converting it into electrical signals that are wired into your nervous system.

The skin is still in testing mode but is an exciting and important step for prosthetic limb patients. New Life Brace and Limb will monitor the progress and let their patients know any developments. 

Aviva Drescher lost her leg when she was six years old in an accident at a friend’s farm. Several children were playing on a conveyor belt that had been turned on. Luckily, one of the children turned off the machine before something more serious happened to Aviva.

Although her leg was removed when she was a child, she never allowed it to define her. She actually has gratitude for being able to wear a prosthetic and feels lucky that she didn’t lose her life in the accident. The initial amputation caused infections and issues due to the area that was removed. At the age of 26, she made the decision to have more of her leg removed to alleviate infections.

This attitude and belief in herself and other amputees is the reason she decided to join the cast of The Real Housewives of New York City. She believed the show to be a platform and to show the public the reality of being an amputee and the positive aspects. Questions are always asked about her prosthesis and she hopes to educate people to the reality of amputees and her belief they can do anything they want.

Aviva is a spokesperson for the One Step Ahead Foundation and features her role with the organization on the show. One Step Ahead Foundation, is a “not-for-profit organization dedicated to giving children with physical disabilities positive experiences through sports to build confidence, courage, and friendship, increase self-esteem, and create a better sense of self-worth all while giving them a positive experience they will use throughout the rest of their lives. This foundation will especially focus on children with limb loss and provide them with the means to participate in various athletics.”

Aviva has been very open to answering questions and disproving any ideas that a prosthesis is unfashionable. She has one for flats and one for high heels. The show highlights her shoe shopping trips and pedicures where she takes both legs so the polish matches.

To read more about One Step Ahead Foundation and how you can get involved, please visit http://onestepaheadfoundation.wordpress.com/about/. To see more pictures of Aviva’s artificial legs, please click here: http://starcasm.net/archives/159787.

Losing a limb can be a scary experience. There are so many unknowns and fears. The internet and ability to connect can help that journey be a little easier. The website Ampufreedom.com creates an interactive world for amputees. Chat features are available and discussion forums for answering questions. The site is also a good resource for family members and friends to understand the challenges and needs of an amputee. The site also allows members to upload pictures.

Another feature of the site is an apparel section. Ampuwear is an online store with positive messages and tongue-in-cheek expressions. One of the available messages reads “$1,000 reward for missing limb.” The shirts help reinforce life does not end when a limb is removed. Events like the Olympics and Paralympics show the power of amputees.