URBANA, Ill. — Imagine this: There's no need to throw out your old cellphone, because it will self-destruct.
That's the idea behind a project at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where researchers are investigating how to build electronics that vanish in water.
John Rogers is a professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the university. Rogers says the goal of the "born to die" program is to design transient technology that can dissolve at the end of its useful life, thus saving space in landfills and reducing waste.
The research team isn't there yet. But it has designed a chip built on a thin film of silk that dissolves when hit with water.
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Nation
Nation
Tornadoes kill 4 in Oklahoma; governor issues state of emergency for 12 counties amid power outages
Tornadoes that tore through Oklahoma have flattened buildings across one rural town, killing at least four people, causing widespread power outages and leaving a trail of destruction, Gov. Kevin Stitt said Sunday.
Sports
Candace Parker, a 3-time WNBA champion and 2-time Olympic gold medalist, announces retirement
Three-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Candace Parker announced Sunday she's retiring after 16 seasons.
Nation
A Florida sheriff says 10 people were wounded by gunfire after a fight broke out at a party venue
A teenage gunman wounded 10 people when he opened fire early Sunday after fighting broke out during a private event at a Florida party venue, authorities said.
Nation
Have you heard the one about Trump? Biden tries humor on the campaign trail
President Joe Biden is out to win votes by scoring some laughs at the expense of Donald Trump, unleashing mockery with the goal of getting under the former president's thin skin and reminding the country of his blunders.
Nation
Authorities name driver fatally shot by deputies in Memphis after he sped toward them
Authorities say they have identified a man who was fatally shot by sheriff's deputies after he sped toward them in a vehicle while the officers were serving a drug-related search warrant in a Memphis neighborhood Friday.