I Wanna Hold Your Hand

Science is amazing; people who work in a science field can be amazing, as well.

“The nano-copper wires in your computer can’t process data as fast as light particles can. That’s the problem researchers have been trying to crack for some time.” These folks are going to integrate lasers with computers, meaning everything will be faster. Movie lovers will like knowing that a movie can be transmitted in a second. And they are doing it by using silicon.
http://www.smartplanet.com/technology/blog/science-scope/nanolasers-grown-on-silicon-future-computers-and-sensors/6683/

I do not, and likely will not, ever understand this particular type of technology, but I think silicon is amazing. Here it’s an integral part of our electronics infrastructure—you gotta appreciate that—then there are those who appreciate what it does as breast implants. I like it in some of my cookware—plan to try more of that cookware in future. This synthetic compound is used as lubricants, sealants, and insulation, just to name a few.

But I have recently come to appreciate a small silicon pad that my physical therapist has had me wear on my palm, covering my Dupuytren’s contracture. It has done more, in just a couple of weeks, in easing and softening the scar tissue/fiber that is growing rampant in my hand than months of other treatments that do help but take ... well, months and more. PT Man tells me it is preventing the scar tissue from forming.






This is medical grade silicon in sheets. It looks like a piece of moleskin. You cut a piece the size that you need (mine is about 1x2 inches) and place the sticky side down on your palm, covering the area affected by Dupuytren’s. I’m supposed to keep it on basically 24 hours a day, except in shower or when hand washing. It’s also cleanable by swishing in warm, soapy water for a few seconds. Easily. It’s not sticky when wet, but the sticky side is back almost immediately when drying. It's cool.

This condition I have in my palm can be quite fierce and quick. I had a three-week holiday over Christmas, before I knew of the silicon pad. Being unable to take my hand waxer along, I basically kept the hand moisturized and warm, but didn’t do anything else to it. That was a mistake; by the time I returned home, the knot and cord reformed, that quickly. My miracle guy, PT Man (he was brilliant with my frozen shoulder in a way my former PT people could not be) knew I needed to make up the lost ground quickly, and surprised me once again with this tiny silicone patch that works without causing agonizing pain.


Before


After


I don’t know how or why this innocuous-looking pad works. I just know that it does. Kind of like the way I know that radio works, and anything else electronic. I don’t really understand it, but understanding is not always necessary.


This is why I love science and science people: Look at what we can do with silicon!