Hasta La Gadget!

An international team of researchers has devised a way to embed tiny LEDs into the human body. The LEDs can be molded into flat, stretchable mesh sheets and safely placed in or next to human tissue. The network of diodes–which are about the width of a human hair–can almost be though of as a kind of “rubber stamp” or ink. The hope for these organic-based LED systems is that they will offer patients feedback on biological processes inside their bodies or even usher in a wave of photo-activated medications. All good stuff.

The researchers involved with this project surely have dreams of winning that Nobel prize for giving diabetes patients a powerful new way to monitor their blood sugar. And we hope they do. But inevitably, this technology will lead to one thing: high-tech glowing tattoos.

In the future, no singles bar will ever be dimly-lit again–not against the warm aura of incandescent midriffs, glowing Japanese symbols, and blinking inspirational song lyrics.

In theory, these fleshy LED displays could be customizable. Forget Facebook, now you can update your “status” on your face. This new technology might also prove to be an economic boom for the young and attractive. Get a lot of unwanted, creepy glares on the subway? Well, why not put it to good use and give a visual shout-out to the new AXE body wash or remind people to tune in to tonight’s special episode of How I Met Your Mother.

Billboards won’t stand a chance.

via Discover, Scientific American