DARPA is funding research into artificial limbs. These
artificial limbs would be connected directly to the nerves of
the muscles and controlled naturally through the brain. The
researchers at John Hopkins are working towards bionic arms and
legs that allow the user to feel the objects they are holding as
well as the temperature of the object. This is part of a four
year program that should end in 2009. The goal is to have limbs
that can be controlled subconsciously by the user as natural
limbs are. With the number of amputees on the rise due to the
wars in Iraq and Afghanistan this is a much needed technology.
Not to mention, the future cyborg soldier would benefit from
this early adopter group. Full Story Here