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A Third Thumb

Courtesy of Dani Clode Design

Blowing bubbles with one hand was nearly impossible—until now.

This invention deserves two thumbs up—maybe even three!

Scientists in the United Kingdom wanted to see how quickly our brains can adapt, or become adjusted, to changes in our bodies. In a recent experiment, they attached robotic thumbs to 36 people’s hands. To control the thumbs, the test subjects wiggled their big toes.

Courtesy of Dani Clode Design

The scientists discovered that the subjects’ brains quickly started thinking the extra thumbs were really parts of their bodies.

Thanks to the bonus thumb, people could do all kinds of things with the same hand! For example, they could peel a banana, open a bottle, or stir a drink.

Your Turn

Try opening an empty bottle with one hand. How would an extra thumb help?

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