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Humans will be able to sense electromagnetic radiation
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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In recent years, scientific technology has made significant progress. For example, thanks to high technology, humans have the ability to make their sense organs more sensitive. But German and Japanese specialists have decided to do the almost impossible and give humans another new sense – the ability to sense magnetic radiation.
It is known that many insects, animals, and fish use the ability to sense a magnetic field to navigate their surroundings; for example, monarch butterflies, turtles, dolphins, trout, sharks, etc. move in this way.
Now, thanks to scientists, people will be able to acquire this ability. A group of researchers at the Wilhelm Leibniz University of Technology in Hanover (Dresden) has developed a flexible thin film that is attached to the skin and is practically not felt by the owner. The team of scientists was headed by Denis Makarov, in addition to German specialists, Japanese scientists from Osaka and Tokyo took part in the research project.
The new development is magnetically sensitive elements that are applied to lavsan on one side, the thickness of such elements is only 1.5 micrometers (1 micrometer is equal to one millionth of a meter). A square meter of such a film weighs 3g. Experts note that it is impractical to place such a film over the entire body, so it is better to use it in small sheets.
A small piece of such a film should be placed on the skin, for example, it can be attached to a finger or palm. With the help of this film, a person will be able to feel constant and variable magnetic fields.
In the tests conducted, the readings were sent to the display, but experts say that it is entirely possible to improve the film so that it would cause tactile sensations, for example, a slight vibration would appear if necessary. In this case, the film wearer would be able to feel the magnetic field as if it were his own skin.
The new film is capable of sensing magnetic fields even through objects, such as walls or glass. According to the developers, this film can be used to read magnetic messages transmitted using special electronic devices. In addition, the sensitive film can be used in robotics, medical implants, and electrical devices that are attached to the skin.
Experts noted that despite the fact that the material turned out to be super thin, it is very durable. Normal operation of the sensors was noted even after repeated stretching of the material more than 2.5 times. The film did not lose its qualities and did not deteriorate even after experts crumpled it like a piece of paper.
According to the scientists who developed the "electronic skin", the sensors have proven themselves to be effective and will be able to significantly accelerate the development of modern medicine, for example in implants or in electronics that are worn on the surface of the body. In addition, sensitive film with magnetic sensors can become an indispensable means for orientation in space.
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