Vibrating Gloves

Wearing gloves that vibrate during surgery may not sound like a really good idea for a surgeon, and much less for the patient, but a new study indicates it might be. Researchers say tiny vibrations can stimulate the nerves in the fingertips, making them hypersensitive. That could be very useful for surgeons performing delicate proceedures.

It could be useful in other situations, as well. One other profession that could potentially benefit from such vibrating technology is an astronaut. During spacewalks, astronauts can be called upon to perform delicate tasks in bulky, pressurized gloves. If sensitivity could be transmitted from the fingertips of spacesuit gloves to the digits inside, the most dangerous thing an astronaut does in space could be made more productive, quicker to accomplish, and, therefore, safer.