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                New E-Skin Could One Day Display Biometric Data

   by VOA News

   Japanese researchers are testing an "electronic skin" that one day
   could be used to track biomedical data.

   Writing in the journal [1]Science Advances, University of Tokyo
   researchers [2]say the "ultrathin, ultraflexible" film they developed
   will allow functions like blood oxygen level and heart rate to be
   displayed electronically via a light-emitting diode built into the
   e-skin.

   The e-skin is a mere 2 micrometers thick and is made from alternating
   layers of silicon oxynitrite and parylene. Researchers said a special
   electrode inserted between the layers allowed them to attach the
   polymer light-emitting diodes and organic photodetectors to the skin.
   The diodes - more than 10 times thinner than a human hair - are so
   efficient that they need little electrical power and produce little
   heat.

   Researchers say such development holds promise for wearable technology.

   "The advent of mobile phones has changed the way we communicate. While
   these communication tools are getting smaller and smaller, they are
   still discreet devices that we have to carry with us," said Takao
   Someya of the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Engineering.
   "What would the world be like if we had displays that could adhere to
   our bodies and even show our emotions or level of stress or unease? In
   addition to not having to carry a device with us at all times, they
   might enhance the way we interact with those around us or add a whole
   new dimension to how we communicate."

   This is not the first e-skin, but researchers say it's more durable and
   comfortable to wear because of how thin and flexible it is. The skin
   also doesn't allow oxygen and water vapor in the air to reach the
   electronics, increasing the device's potential lifetime from "a few
   hours" to "several days."

   Here's how the skin works:

   ''
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   [3]http://www.voanews.com/content/mht-new-eskin-could-display-biometric
   -data/3290588.html

References

   1. http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.1501856
   2. http://www.eurekalert.org/multimedia/pub/113017.php?from=324559
   3. http://www.voanews.com/content/mht-new-eskin-could-display-biometric-data/3290588.html