Biodegradable batteries

Technology Review (Cambridge, Mass., Dec. 18) -- John Rogers, a materials scientist who makes biodegradable electronics at the U. of I., says more power will be required for more sophisticated edible and implantable electronics. He is working on biodegradable batteries for medical use. In a paper that will be published in the journal Advanced Materials, his team describes batteries made out of the dissolvable metals and trace minerals magnesium and molybdenum. Biodegradable batteries, Rogers says, will enable “devices that go into the body monitor wound healing, deliver therapy as necessary, and then naturally disappear after the wound is completely healed, thereby eliminating unnecessary strain on the body.” Also: Gizmodo (Sydney, Dec. 18), The Financial Express (New Delhi, Dec. 29).