Undies could soon be giving Lassie some competition:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100610/lf_nm_life/us_underpants_healthA revolutionary pair of men’s briefs are not just comfortable to wear but may also save lives as well. An electronic biosensor is printed on the waistband and measures blood pressure, heart rate and other vital signs through constant contact with the skin.
...Ultimately, the biosensor that detects an injury will also be able to direct the release of drugs to relieve pain and even treat the wound.
Wearable biosensors can also provide valuable information to athletes or even measure blood alcohol levels.
The technology was developed by nano-engineering Professor Joseph Wang of University of California San Diego.
Now, if they combine
that with
this technology in one garment:
http://www.iftf.org/node/2739Smart Underwear May Prevent Ulcers
Apr 23, 2009
Underwear doesn't seem like the sort of product that really needs to be made "smart." For those with spinal cord injuries, however, a new prototype from Canadian researchers could dramatically improve their health by using sensors to measure body functions and smartly stimulating muscles by delivering mild electrical currents to paralyzed muscles in order to prevent ulcers and other similar problems.
Here's how they work:
They will be equipped with sensors that detect increased pressure and lack of oxygen in the buttocks muscles of people bound to a wheelchair.
When the pressure gets to a certain level, the electric undies will emit a jolt of electricity for seven to 13 seconds that will clench the muscles as in exercise and recirculate the blood.
While ulcers and bedsores sound relatively benign, they are common among those with spinal cord injuries and can be deadly. Nurses try to prevent these sorts of problems by turning patients, but the hope is the smart underwear will be more effective at preventing these sorts of problems.
So...your underwear may not only 'tell' on you, but zap you for it as well.
I think I prefer my undies dumb, thank you!