Hot Topics in Science: Our Review of 2015 (5/5)

18th December 2015 - Last modified 28th November 2023

Hot Topic #5: The Wearable Electronics Revolution.

We’ve seen a lot about flexible and wearable electronic devices this year, in both the media and through work enabled by our client’s technologies. Healthcare is set to be revolutionised, with devices that monitor everything from vital signs to medication or pollution levels. But several challenges must be addressed first, such as: How is the device powered? Does it degrade naturally and at a convenient rate? How does it interact with the immune system when placed inside the body? On a more pragmatic note, we must also consider medical regulations, in terms of how these data will be securely communicated and stored.

Another fundamental property relevant to all wearable electronic devices is the material’s ability to bend and flex while maintaining electrical connectivity, and this year I’ve been lucky enough to learn first-hand about a couple of research projects in this area. As part of novel in situ mechanical testing setups, each of these projects used confocal laser scanning microscopy to monitor the properties of materials and devices under strain. The projects made some intriguing discoveries which impact both the design and method of testing the reliability of flexible electronic devices. If you want to read more about the current status of the wearable electronics revolution, there is a fascinating review published in Nature this month.

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