Fermilab offers a public lecture series on a wide range of topics presented by experts in their respective fields. Generally 6 to 8 lectures are offered each year ranging from astrophysics and cosmology to cancer. Lectures cost $7.00 and are usually on Friday evenings beginning at 8 p.m. in Ramsey Auditorium. For information, call 630-840-ARTS (630-840-2787) or click here.

Building Bionics
Dr. Todd Kuiken, Northwestern University

Amazing developments are being made each day in the possibilities for those with limb loss. Dr. Kuiken has been renowned for his research in developing a surgical technicque called Targeted Muscle Reinneration(TMR). With TMR it is possible to take the residual nerves in an amputed limb and transfer them to spare muscle and skin in or near the limb. The nerves grow into this muscle, and then the surface EMG over this muscle can be used as an additional control signal. To date, this surgery has been successful in fifty patients, including fourteen servicemen and women.

Dr. Kuiken is currently the Director of the Center for Bionic Medicine at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. The CBM has four labs and over forty people developing ways to improve the function for people with limb loss.