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Friday, 26th September 2008 (3262 views)

A group of scientists at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts will receive $1 million (£543,817) from the US government in order to study neuroprosthetics – a high-tech method of generating artificial limbs.

The team will try to grow axons - long, thin fibres that carry electrical impulses through the nervous system - on gold surfaces which can then be implanted into the body.

Spokesman Professor Grant McGimpsey commented: "We are very pleased to receive this funding ... we are taking a comprehensive approach to this research, looking at how we can leverage our expertise."

He added that the researchers hope that the work will have an immediate impact on prosthetics technology.

It has been funded through various state and federal grants, including the US Army's amputee research progamme.

Gold is also used in dentistry for fillings, as it is long lasting, strong and will not tarnish, according to the British Dental Health Foundation.

 

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