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Health · 26 July 2026

New hydrogel, like lungs, lets skin breathe under health tech

New hydrogel, like lungs, lets skin breathe under health tech

Image by alexgrec on Freepik

Engineers at MIT have created a new hydrogel that contains microscopic, air-filled channels, allowing oxygen and water vapour to pass through. The hydrogel is about 10 times more breathable than conventional hydrogels, helping to stop irritation and sweat build-up under wearable devices. The material could improve comfort for medical patches, wound dressings and health monitors that stay on skin for long periods.

Reported by ScienceAlert · How we write briefs

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