This article is more than 2 years old.

September 9, 2018 This article is more than 2 years old.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University created “e-dermis,” an electronic skin that fits over the fingers of a prosthetic hand, allowing amputees to feel pain and pressure.

Feeling pain might seem undesirable, but the sensation tells us when to drop sharp or hot objects that may cause us harm. This is even more important for prosthetics, which aren’t yet able to heal themselves like human skin can.