ELECTRONICS BECOME FLEXIBLE WHEN IMPLANTED IN THE BODY

Scientists Invent Electronics That Are Flexible When Implanted in The Body

Researchers at the University of Texas and the University of Tokyo have successfully created flexible electronics that can change their mechanical properties from rigid to soft.

Controllable flexible electronics could be of great use for implanted medical devices. A device made of this material could be positioned in the body when rigid, then gradually allowed to wrap around the selected tissue as it softens.

The Japanese and American researchers used memory polymers that change shape on contact with their surrounding environment. The polymers are inflexible at room temperature, but become flexible and compliant when heated up to body temperature.

The research team successfully implanted the technology into rats with no loss of electrical properties. These tests have demonstrated the potential for real-world application of the technology.