Scientists create foam pump that works like a real heart

Scientists have developed new lightweight and stretchable polymer foam. They used it for making a pump that mimics both the shape and function of a human heart. The foam is different from others as it can be formed and has connected pores, allowing fluids to be pumped through it. According to scientists it has the potential to be used in other artificial organs and prosthetic body parts and soft robotics. In the starting, the polymer foam is a liquid that can be poured into a mold for creating shapes. Due to the fluids pathways, when air or liquid is pumped via it, the material moves and can alter its length by 300%. While applications for use inside the body needs federal approval and testing, researchers said that they are near to making prosthetic body parts using the so-called ‘elastomer foam’. Rob Shepherd, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Cornell University, said that they were presently pretty far along for creating a prosthetic hand this way.   Agencies