Gold-like plastic could power next-gen medical sensors

PIC/Chalmers University

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have developed a cost-effective, eco-friendly method to produce electrically conductive plastics at scale, paving the way for next-generation wearable electronics and medical devices. The glittering, gold-like material, known as a conjugated polymer, is biocompatible and flexible, making it ideal for sensors, drug-delivery patches and health-monitoring implants. Unlike metals, it doesn't corrode in humid environments and avoids the need for rare earth elements. The breakthrough came after an accidental lab discovery showed the material could be produced at room temperature without toxic chemicals. The team hopes the advance, published in Science Advances, will bring conductive plastics from niche lab experiments to widespread industrial applications in biotechnology, energy storage and smart textiles.

From everyday objects to animated displays

PIC/MIT

MIT researchers have unveiled FabObscura, a software tool that lets users turn household items into eye-catching animations without electronics. The system uses barrier-grid animations, printed overlays that slide or rotate across images to create the illusion of motion. Unlike earlier tools, FabObscura supports custom patterns, from zigzags to swirls, enabling dynamic designs on objects like coasters, jars, books, or signs. Users simply upload animation frames, preview the effect, and print the results on a standard 2D printer. This opens new possibilities for design and communication, making everyday items interactive without the need for screens, wires, or batteries.