United States Of America : Conference On Breakthroughs In Intelligent Polymers

"Computerise your clothing". Sounds strange, but scientist have developed a computer that can be powered by being plugged into an item of clothing.

The scientists, attending a three-day conference at Wollongong University focusing on the latest breakthroughs in intelligent polymers, believe such a development is only a matter of time.

"The materials to do this are now available. It is now just a case of merging the materials with the textile engineering, it's totally feasible", Professor Gordon Wallace was quoted by reporters as saying.

He said that the US military and navy were particularly interested in fibre batteries. "Fibre batteries mean you could have an autonomous individual or soldier, which means you could run things like computers without the need for batteries. It means clothing and tents can be energy-generating", Wallace added.

The technology is also available to convert sunlight into electricity with solar cells seamlessly integrated into fibres and garments.

Prof Wallace said the growing ability to incorporate electric polymers into textile garments had led to "great developments" in the practical application of the technology.