Smart Underwear Designed For Military

A team of scientists at the University of California San Diego, led by nano-engineering professor Joseph Wang, has designed some high-tech underwear that may save lives. Sensors in the waistband can monitor a person's blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs. The designers also hope that one day the underwear can release drugs to relieve pain and treat wounds. From the article: "But the technology's range of application goes beyond the military. 'We envision all the trend of personalized medicine for remote monitoring of the elderly at home, monitoring a wide range of biomedical markers, like cardiac markers, alerting for any potential stroke, diabetic changes, and other changes related to other biomedical scenario,' said Wang. Wearable biosensors can also provide valuable information to athletes or even measure blood alcohol levels."

Great...

[chaodyn]

Now I have to worry about my underwear invading my privacy too? That's it, game over.

Re:Great...

[chaodyn]

But at least I didn't have to worry about it reporting status to some outside observer - imagine walking into a store... "Welcome to S-Mart, sir - by the way, your underwear is reporting a slight stretching in the elastic - you may want to visit isle 3 and pick up some new ones. Oh, and we're having a special on weight-loss products in isle 5..."

Stupid idea

[jklovanc]

Here are the reasons why it is stupid.
1. Would need to be able to withstand multiple wash cycles. Washing machines are very hard on electronics and sensors.
2. Each person would require multiple pairs of underwear as very few people wash cloths every day.
3. Difficult to replace medications. (Take off your pants. I need to add insulin.)
4. Trans dermal meds are generally low dose. If a soldier needs pain meds I doubt that enough could be administered.

A much better idea would be an arm band that is worn under clothing.

Re:Great...

[Crudely_Indecent]

As long as Facebook and AT&T don't get involved we're probably OK.

Re:Joke

[spazdor]

New rule, everyone. Remarking that there's an obvious joke to be made, counts as making that joke.

Re:Joke

[Anonymous Coward]

"Smart" design would have been to colour them brown, surely?

Re:The mormons have had these for years

[treeves]

Well, you wouldn't say "1.8 century", would you? It'd be 1.8 centuries.