In a case of peripheral nerve injury we know that nerves can regenerate, but that can often be a slow and inefficient process, sometimes leaving a numbness or tingling in hands, arms or legs. We also know that administering electrical stimulation to the damaged nerves can boost healing, but outside of surgery there's currently no way to continuously deliver that helpful electrical boost.

The remarkable new device is designed to wrap around a damaged nerve and deliver programmed bursts of electrical stimulation. The current prototype is about the size of a dime, and able to operate wirelessly for up to two weeks before naturally dissolving into the body.