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Skin-Based Display Screens From Nanotech Tattoos

Posted by timothy on from the your-epidermis-is-showing-a-movie dept.

destinyland writes "Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York is developing flexible nanotubes inserted under the skin to create a handheld display — inside your hand. They wirelessly receive data and display reminders and text messages, and the concept has also been broadened to suggest endlessly programmable digital tattoos, while Netherlands-based Royal Philips Electronics is also exploring the concept of the body as 'a platform for electronics and interactive skin technologies'." That middle link is quite old, but is still loaded with interesting links.

8 of 200 comments (clear)

  1. Camouflage by sakdoctor · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Implant this under all exposed skin and a solider could have camouflage patterns turned on/off and changed for the terrain.

    1. Re:Camouflage by blargfellow · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Or the enemy sends you a virus, and you end up with a bullseye on your forehead.

  2. well........ by tatermonkey · · Score: 5, Funny

    Its only a matter of time before someone figures out how to get porn on it.

  3. A Cautionary Note by hyades1 · · Score: 5, Funny

    If programmable digital tattoos catch on, it might be a good idea if the data feed in your "handheld display" was used to ensure that the name in your tattoo matches the name of the person you're with.

    --
    I've calculated my velocity with such exquisite precision that I have no idea where I am.
  4. Re:Allright!! by AlecC · · Score: 5, Funny

    The possibilities for hacking other people's tattoos are frightening. You can hardly go around keeping a continuous watch on them, especially on your back. Imagine going to work at school labelled "Crack $5/bag".

    --
    Consciousness is an illusion caused by an excess of self consciousness.
  5. Re:Immunse systems do not like foreign objects. by samurphy21 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    There are many biologically neutral materials that are safely implanted into the body all the time. Titanium pins for repairing bones. Pacemakers. Composite plates for skull injuries. These are just medical examples. You get into the "body modification" crowd and you start seeing stainless steel, neobium, and nylon implants and piercings.

    I suspect that rejection or attack by white blood cells are not an insurmountable issue here, but I'm not a doctor.

  6. Police Documentation by KneelBeforeZod · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Hypothetically, if this were to become common. It'd force police to rethink how they document and identify distinguishing marks on the body. Or a gang member being some kind of double agent and switching inks from one gang to another. Its the stuff of scifi. Makes me think of The Illustrated Man of Ray Bradbury.

  7. Re:This nice sounds nice by Merls+the+Sneaky · · Score: 5, Funny

    Are you joking? A tattoo hurts a lot less than regular high school beatings or unrequited love.