04/17/08 High Tech

Looks like even your closet may soon be going high tech. You've heard of the "power tie", well the "power shirt" puts a whole new spin on the definition. The "Power Shirt" is nanotechnology infused clothing that will generate enough electricity to power small electronic devices for anyone whose physical motion can be captured and converted to electrical energy. Sounds like an episode of MacGyver doesn't it. Without inundating you with techno babble, just suffice to say researchers are working on nanowire covered fiber which reacts to mechanical stress. Meaning such fiber weaved into a shirt or jacket could allow the wearer's movements to power portable electronic devices. I'm just not sure I'm ready for such technology. I still haven't figured out how to run all the different features on my cell phone! Although, it would probably come in handy for those extreme enthusiasts or soldiers in the field, I don't see average Jack or Jill paying what will probably be a hefty price tag for an "electronic base" shirt. And laundry day could be very "electrifying"!