Researchers Develop Ultrathin 'E-Skin' For Digital Displays On Human Skin

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Tired of carrying around your smartphone? Scientists say they may soon figure out how you can make phone calls on your hand instead.

Japanese scientists at the University of Tokyo say they have invented an ultra-flexible electronic skin display that can utilize processes similar to those used by digital displays on smartphones and TVs.

The potentially revolutionary method uses a protective coating of organic electronics that are resistant to air and water exposure, according to LiveScience.

The coating is reportedly so thin, in fact, that the device is only 3 micrometers thick, compared with the 40 micrometers of thickness typically found in a strand of human hair.

"The advent of mobile phones has changed the way we communicate. While these communication tools are getting smaller and smaller, they are still discrete devices that we have to carry with us," said University of Tokyo Professor Takao Someya. "What would the world be like if we had displays that could adhere to our bodies and even show our emotions or level of stress or unease? In addition to not having to carry a device with us at all times, they might enhance the way we interact with those around us or add a whole new dimension to how we communicate."

Scientists say the technology not only could eventually replace bulky smartphones, but can also be used to monitor people's health with real-time displays of blood oxygen level, heart rate sensors for athletes, and other applications.