German scientists invent smart gloves for the elderly

Our senses are essential for daily life, but as we age or face health challenges like stroke, some of these abilities can decline. While glasses and hearing aids help with vision and hearing, few tools address the loss of touch sensitivity. This issue affects many elderly individuals and stroke survivors, making their fingers less responsive to external stimuli and leading to clumsiness and difficulty in performing everyday tasks. A recent breakthrough from researchers at the University of Bochum (RUB) in Germany offers a promising solution: a smart glove designed to restore tactile function.

The research team explored how neurons in the brain communicate and discovered that high-frequency electrical stimulation can enhance neural signaling. Using this insight, they developed a glove equipped with tiny electrical contacts on the fingertips. These contacts deliver controlled pulses to stimulate the sensory nerves responsible for touch, helping to improve tactile perception. Patients who tested the device reported better sensitivity to temperature, texture, and even fine motor control, significantly improving their quality of life.

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