Thursday Lecture Series: Biomedical Research and Technology: Creation, Development and Applications: Cyborgs: The Future is Now

It has been 40 years since Luke Skywalker received a prosthetic hand controlled by his peripheral nerves. Unfortunately, this peripheral nerve interface has not been achieved yet. Our UM research group has developed the regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI), which amplifies the peripheral nerve signals and makes it possible to control an arm or leg naturally. In addition, the RPNI’s can be used as a peripheral nerve interface strategy to provide sensory feedback. In this presentation, Dr. Cederna will discuss the future of this exciting and innovative technology.

Paul S. Cederna, M.D., is the Robert Oneal Professor of Plastic Surgery and Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan. Academically, Dr. Cederna has authored over 425 manuscripts, published 31 chapters, and presented his work over 900 times at national and international meetings. He has been a Visiting Professor at National and International Universities over 70 times.  He has won over 80 national and international research awards. Dr. Cederna has been the Chairman of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Chairman of the Plastic Surgery Research Council, President of the American Society for Peripheral Nerve, and President for the Plastic Surgery Foundation. He is currently President of the American Association of Plastic Surgeons.