Rice University researchers have developed flexible carbon nanotube fibers capable of gathering accurate EKG and heart-rate readings when woven into a fabric. The new material is as soft as cotton but as strong as kevlar. It’s also as conductive as a number of metals and may just be the future of wearables.

It can even be worn and washed like normal clothing and its fibers are also far less likely to break when a body is in motion.

The researchers reported it was better at gathering data than a standard chest-strap monitor and better than commercial medical electrode monitors at taking EKGs.

The clothing consists of a conductive nanotube thread that weaves functionality into regular apparel.

These carbon nanotube fibers were first developed by Rice University George R. Brown School of Engineering lab engineer Matteo Pasquali. His lab has since studied many applications for the fibers including using them as bridges to repair damaged heart tissues, as electrical interfaces with the brain, for use in cochlear implants, as flexible antennas, and for automotive and aerospace applications.

The fibers are sewn with a zig-zag stitching pattern that allows the fabric to stretch without breaking them. The fibers could have many future applications such as human-machine interfaces for automobiles or soft robotics, as antennas, or as health monitors and ballistics protection in military uniforms.

According to interestingengineering