Smart clothing may be the next big thing in technology that can be used.
Rice University Lab has developed a smart shirt that can measure heartbeat using conductive nanotube threads.
Chocolate Chocolate Engineering Chemical and Biomolecule Lab Matteo Pasquali sew nanotube fiber becomes athletic wear to monitor the heartbeat and take ongoing electrocardiograms (ECG) people wearing a shirt.
The fiber is equally conductive like a metal cable, but can be washed, comfortable and much less likely to break when the body moves, according to the researchers.
“The shirt must be right on the chest,” said Lauren Taylor’s graduate student, the lead author of the study.
“In future studies, we will focus on using a patch denser carbon nanotube thread so there are more surface areas to contact the skin.” As per the statement to the media, the researchers recorded soft and flexible nanotube fibers, and the clothes that combine them were washed with machines.
Fiber can be sewn with machines such as standard utas.
Zigzag stitching pattern allows fabric to stretch without damaging it.
Interestingly, fibers as long as not only stable electrical contacts with wearer skin but also function as electrodes to connect electronics such as Bluetooth transmitters to deliver data to a smartphone or connect to a holter monitor that can be stored in the user’s pocket.
Also, the fiber woven into the fabric can also be used to instill an antenna or LED, according to the researchers.
Small modifications on the geometry of fiber and electronics related to the end can allow clothing to monitor vital signs, force activity or respiratory levels.