Bionic hand feels real, says amputee

Amputee Dennis Aabo lost his left hand in a firework accident ten years ago.

Scientists fitted electrodes to nerves in his arm which connected to a prosthetic hand.

The operation allowed him to `feel' the shape and density of objects even when blindfolded - this gave him much greater control of the prosthesis.

Mr Aabo spent a month doing laboratory tests with the hand, after which he had the electrodes removed.

Much work needs to be done to make a more mobile version that could be worn outside the lab.

The 36-year-old Dane said the bionic hand was "amazing" and he was looking forward to having one permanently.