Researchers at University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Engineering envision a day when clothing will become a second skin. “Smart Skin” (“distributed flexible microsensor array”) bridges nanotechnology and micro-mechanical systems.

The goal is sensors that can sense touch and air flow in addition to heat. “Smart Skin” suits could warn people when they have entered an area of toxic gases. A T-shirt on a diabetic could monitor insulin and glucose problems based on body temperature.