A single strand of fiber developed at Washington State University (WSU) has the flexibility of cotton and the electric conductivity of a polymer, called polyaniline.
While more development is needed, the idea is to integrate fibers like these into apparel as sensor patches with flexible circuits. These patches could be part of uniforms for firefighters, soldiers, or workers who handle chemicals to detect hazardous exposures. Other applications include health monitoring or exercise shirts that can do more than current fitness monitors.
