Weird Science

Filed Under: Wacky, Tacky & True

We're all for advances in technology, but this is freaking weird.

Apparently, scientists are in the process of developing biodegradable, silicon-silk devices to be implanted within the human body for a number of reasons, one of which being the prospect of an LED tattoo skin display.

And yes, it's exactly how it sounds.

Evidently, there would be silicon circuits inside thin, flexible films of silk which would conform to a persons skin from the inside. Eventually, the silk onto which the technology is mounted would dissolve leaving only the teensy tiny electronics inside the body. The technology "could carry LEDs, turning the wearer's skin into a screen." Freaky!

MIT's Technology review says that this technology, "might act as photonic tattoos that can show blood-sugar readings, as well as arrays of conformable electrodes that might interface with the nervous system." Well, that's kinda cool, we guess. Still kind of weird.

What's more, "stimulated by touch, an Electronic Tattoo traverses across the landscape of the body, navigated by desire." What! That is so wild!

We're conflicted about this - on the one hand, there's no denying that this technology is unbelievably cool and intriguing. On the other hand, the idea of having electronics inside your skin, for decorative purposes no less, is really freaking weird.

Watch the clip above to get a better sense of exactly how this would look.

What do you think about the technology??

Posted: November 20, 2009 at 4:30 pm