Skin-tenna technology promises to keep medical implants connected
By Donald Melanson 
posted June 10th 2008 1:35AM
posted June 10th 2008 1:35AM
We've already some efforts to tailor Bluetooth for use with medical devices, but it looks like a team of researchers from Queen's University Belfast have now come up with another method of keeping devices connected, which they say is more efficient and better suited for implants. Their solution is effectively a "skin-tenna," which makes use of a puck-like device worn on the outside of the body that allows wireless signals to "creep" along an individual's skin. That, the researchers say, not only minimizes the "off-body signals," but requires far less power than Bluetooth or other wireless technologies, which is obviously a plus when a battery change consists of a trip to the operating room.
i hope its not a sony battery they install inside of people...
hmm... Reminds me of the skintenna from the "Uglies" book series.
Ahhh the rise of teh mud peoples!
I'm wondering if the ankle sensor has effects on your fertility.
He looks like hes off to see the Wizard...
...the wonderful Wizard of Oz.
With his Power Glove.
I'm confused. What does this have to do with the iphone?
Skin-tastic!
Wait, QUB is in the news?
Amazing what goes on in your own uni without you realizing!
Holy crap that guy looks pissed!
This isn't exactly new. I remember reading about an IBM researcher doing this (with non-medical gadgetry) in 1996, maybe 1997. He called it a Personal Area Network (a term which, these days, gets used for Bluetooth).
Yeah, I've got your Skin-tenna...
"...which is obviously a plus when a battery change consists of a trip to the operating room."
Works for the iPod, iPhone, and MacBook Air!
Wait, is this one of those magic energy things Iron man has?
We are the Borg, Resistance is Futile!
Saw this years ago, on engadget no less, and no less than twice (microsoft patented it)