Prosthetic Arm
The 2003 Iraq War has had some resounding negative effects nationally and internationally. However, one of the few benefits has been the increased funding for prosthetics research (Cyber Punk Review, 2009). This research has lead to advancements displayed by two civilians who suffered arm amputations, one a single and the other a double amputation (Cyber Punk Review, 2009). In 2006 these two demonstrated the advances made in the robotic arm. Surgeons connected nerve endings from chest muscles to the bionic arm complex allowing Claudia Mitchell, the single amputee, to send neuronal impulses to her arm and move the arms fingers and other joints (Cyber Punk Review, 2009). The double amputee, Jesse Sullivan, has become skilled enough in using his prosthesis to not only paint his house but also hug his grandchildren (Cyber Punk Review, 2009). As this kind of research is being funded by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) who funded $50 million worth of research, the majority of the prosthesis will go to military veterans through government subsidized programs making the prosthesis affordable leaving civilians to pay for themselves (Cyber Punk Review, 2009).