Fingers

Biology

The fascinating feature of waterlogged fingertips we all share

A question from a curious kid quickly led a team of scientists down a research rabbit hole – one that has now culminated in fascinating new knowledge about our water-wrinkled fingertips. And there's more to this discovery than a cool piece of trivia.

One of Fraunhofer's prototype 3D-printed titanium custom finger joints

Medical Devices

Custom 3D-printed joints may restore full movement to disabled fingers

We hear a lot about artificial hips and knees, but finger joints? They do exist, but their fit and functionality is limited. Germany's Fraunhofer research group aims to change that, with artificial finger joints that are 3D-printed for each patient.

Designer Dani Clode worked with neuroscientists at University College London to investigate how the brain adapts to extra limbs

Medical Devices

How an extra thumb changes the way your brain perceives the hand

A few years ago a designer named Dani Clode introduced the world to the Third Thumb, a robotic finger controlled using pressure sensors under one’s feet. Now neuroscientists are using the device to investigate how our brain's adapt to extra limbs.

Finger vein images from eight separate people, with different colors representing different depths

Science

3D finger-vein ID tech claimed to be virtually foolproof

It sometimes seems that as soon as another form of biometric ID authentication is developed, someone devises a way of fooling it. According to its creators, however, a new 3D finger vein-scanning system cannot be duped.

A diagram of the BiRD, which could provide simpler and earlier Parkinson's diagnoses

Imaging & Diagnostics

Motorized finger-bender designed to detect Parkinson's disease

Because it doesn't show up in either blood tests or brain scans, Parkinson's disease can be frustratingly difficult to diagnose. A new device could help, however, by repeatedly bending the patient's finger. It may make diagnoses easier, and allow treatment to start earlier.

The app determines if users are anemic via a photo of their fingernail bed

Body and Mind

App detects anemia by checking fingernail color

Currently, the most accurate method of checking for anemia is to draw a blood sample and conduct a count of a patient's red blood cells, which contain iron-rich hemoglobin. Soon, however, a smartphone app may be able to non-invasively do the same job.

A pulley mechanism developed at OSU may some day be implanted into the hands of people with nerve damage and help them regain a more natural grasping ability with their fingers (Image: OSU)

Medical Devices

Pulley mechanism implant to better restore hand function

Researchers at Oregon State University (OSU) have designed an implant consisting of a simple pulley system that would more effectively transfer mechanical forces and allow more natural grasping function with less effort for those suffering reduced hand function.

Faye Wu uses the supernumerary robotic fingers

Science

MIT adds two robotic fingers to the human hand

MIT's "supernumerary robotic fingers" extend from either side of the user's dominant hand, and are attached to a device that's worn around the wrist. The idea behind them is that (among other things) they could allow users to perform tasks that usually require two hands, using only one.