Stretchable Electronics

Although we're hearing a lot about stretchable electronics, the fabrication of their components is far beyond most people's abilities. Now, however, scientists have created inks that let anyone draw stretchable LEDS using regular ballpoint pens.

Researchers have developed a mobile, noninvasive, ultrathin, stretchable, battery-operated electronic tattoo that simultaneously measures the heart’s electrical and mechanical activity, offering a new way of diagnosing and monitoring heart disease.

Although we do keep hearing about flexible wearable electronics, most such devices are still powered by rigid batteries that regularly need to be recharged. An experimental new battery, however, is soft, stretchable, and powered by human sweat.

A new conductive, transparent, and stretchable nanomaterial that folds up like an accordion could one day be applied to the development of flexible electronics and wearable sensors, as well as stretchable displays.

A new stretchable pressure-sensitive material incorporates coatings of tiny "nano-springs."