From the NY Times: An article in JAMA this week describes a "new technique, called targeted muscle reinnervation which involves taking
the nerves that remain after an arm is amputated and connecting them to
another muscle in the body, often in the chest. Electrodes are placed
over the chest muscles, acting as antennae. When the person wants to
move the arm, the brain sends signals that first contract the chest
muscles, which send an electrical signal to the prosthetic arm,
instructing it to move. The process requires no more conscious effort
than it would for a person who has a natural arm." Full article.
Oh Brave New World... Here the mind uses the nerves to send messages to myocytes (cells) to move artificial fingers. These are the first baby steps, early insights into how the soul can direct the soul.