Scientists at Northwestern University in Illinois, along with a team of international researchers, have developed an electronic skin tattoo, called an epidermal electronic system (EES), that temporarily sticks to skin and could potentially be used to monitor health conditions, to interact with computer games or for covert operations.

The device could replace electrodes for monitoring brain, heart and muscles. It picks up sub-vocal communication for use in the world of espionage and gaming. It requires minimal power and can fuel itself from built-in solar collectors or electromagnetic radiation in the air. Thinner than a human hair, it can stick to skin without adhesive ("Electronic Skin Tattoo Has Medical, Gaming, Spy Uses," Breitbart.com, Aug. 11, 2011).

Watch a video of epidermal electronics tattoo being applied (www.sciencemag.org - Credit: John A. Rogers)