Researchers at UBC have discovered that gelatin – and other hydrogels – use ions to carry an electric charge that produces a voltage when touched. In a new paper published in the journal Science, researchers explain the science behind the phenomenon and its possible uses. The work was started by Yuta Dobashi, a postgraduate student in biomedical engineering at UBC and lead author of the study. Dobashi has found a way to develop an “ionic skin” that can transmit electrical currents and stimulate nerve responses similar to human skin. John Madden, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UBC School of Applied Sciences, explained that electric currents are generated by the movement of ions in gels. The hydrogels contained salts, as well as larger negative ions and smaller positive ions. As ions move in and out of the material, they expand and contract – the uneven distribution of ions creates an electric field that makes the hydrogel sensors work. The process is similar to how human skin detects the senses of touch and the tendency is at a similar level to that of the human nervous system. “We are used to facing much higher trends,” Madden said. “The problem is that when we try to incorporate these tendencies, as well as the hard materials with our soft nerve tissue, it is really difficult to make the two bond well. The beauty of these gels is that they have the same mechanical properties and produce currents that are in the right range. Madden explained that ionic skins can be placed on prosthetic limbs that can detect objects by touch or pressure and transmit this information to the nervous system allowing the brain to activate the motors needed to lift or hold the object. Another possible use of gels is as implants. Ionic gels can be used as part of artificial knee cartilage or other parts of the body to stimulate nerve responses. The smart skin technology market is estimated to be worth $ 4.5 billion in 2019 and continues to grow. If you want to see science in action at home, get a bowl of gelatin and place an electrical controller in the bowl. Then just push the gelatin down to create a charge. READ MORE: Jumbo flying squid lands on menus as climate changes seafood supply: UBC study READ MORE: UBC study focuses on reducing fear of being overjoyed @ SchislerColecole.schisler @ bpdigital.ca Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. UBC