"An 'electronic tattoo' could herald a revolution in the way patients are monitored and provide a breakthrough in computer gaming, say US scientists.
They used the device, which is thinner than a human hair, to monitor the heart and brain, according to a study in the journal Science.
The sensor attaches to human skin just like a temporary tattoo and can move, wrinkle and stretch without breaking.
Researchers hope it could replace bulky equipment currently used in hospitals.
A mass of cables, wires, gel-coated sticky pads and monitors are currently needed to keep track of a patient's vital signs.
Scientists say this can be 'distressing', such as when a patient with heart problems has to wear a bulky monitor for a month 'in order to capture abnormal but rare cardiac events'.
Solar cells
With the tattoo, all the electronic parts are built out of wavy, snake-like components, which mean they can cope with being stretched and squeezed.
There are also tiny solar cells which can generate power or get energy from electromagnetic radiation....more
