There is a trade-off between how comfortable the device is and its durability, Dr. Someya said, adding that this is an area of future research. Just spritz water on it, dissolving nanofibers in the patch, and stick it to the skin. The device conforms to the varied textures of human skin, including sweat pores and fingerprint ridges, while still letting air in through tiny gaps. PhotoThe researchers used gold in the device for its durability and softness, Dr. Someya said, but it could be replaced with aluminum to be more cost effective. “We can see numerous potential applications in the medical field, also in sports and in people’s welfare everywhere,” Dr. Someya said.

Source: New York Times July 20, 2017 15:33 UTC