Graphene is a cutting-edge wonder material, used in applications ranging from solar cells to supercapacitors. Rubber bands, on the other hand … well, they’re not so high-tech. By combining the one with the other, however, scientists have created ultra-cheap body motion sensors that could make a big difference in the field of health care.
The researchers, from the University of Surrey and Trinity College Dublin, have infused regular rubber bands with graphene. The treated bands remain stretchy, but thanks to the graphene, they’re also electrically conductive. If they’re wired up to a power source and then stretched – as the result of even a subtle movement – there’s a very detectable effect on the current flowing through them.
via Gizmag
