Electronic Tattoos...It's the beginning of an era

We've all read those science-fiction books about aliens coming to Earth and implanting us humans with under-the-skin transmitting devices, or seen the James Bond series where they implant their operatives with electronic trackers. Soon, you'll be able to get an electronic "tattoo," a series of circuits applied directly to the surface of the skin with a rubber stamp. The circuit tattoo below, developed by scientist John Rogers at the University of Illinois, allows a doctor to monitor a patient's vitals remotely.

The tattoo is temporary for now, since skin naturally flakes off, preventing the circuit from remaining on the skin permanently. It is now covered with an elastic "bandage" to hold it in place. Researchers are looking to develop a method to insert this type of tattoo under the skin. We may end up with manual tattoo machines that apply electric tattoos, as opposed to electric tattoo machines applying manual ink!  Electrifying...

 Photo credit: John Rogers
 Photo credit: John Rogers


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