Cool chemistry trick allows new tattoos to 'turn on and off'

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Tattoos can be turned on and off with light

   Scientists have developed tattoo inks that can be activated by different wavelengths of light, allowing people to hide or display their tattoos. The inks can be switched on with ultraviolet light and made to disappear in sunlight. This technology uses photochromic pigments encapsulated in PMMA, which can last for up to 2.2 years in skin.

   Why it matters

   This innovation has potential medical applications and could change how people view tattoos. The ability to control tattoo visibility could be useful in various scenarios. Researchers have been experimenting with tattoo inks that can change appearance in response to light.

   What is confirmed

   • The tattoo inks use photochromic pigments encapsulated in PMMA.
   • The inks can be switched on with ultraviolet light and made to disappear in sunlight.
   • The colors remain switchable in skin for up to 2.2 years.

   What to watch next

   • Regulatory approval for the tattoo inks
   • Further testing on the safety and durability of the inks
   • Commercial availability of the tattoo inks
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. Live Science — Cool chemistry trick allows new tattoos to 'turn on and off'
   2. New Scientist — Tattoos could be turned on and off with light
   3. Phys.org — Light-responsive inks could make tattoos visible on demand, but safety remains unproven
   4. New Atlas — 'Invisible ink' keeps tattoos hidden until they're under certain light
   5. Inshorts — Tattoos that can disappear and reappear created | To read the study in detail | Inshorts
   6. Interesting Engineering — Scientists create tattoos that vanish in seconds and reappear with UV light
   7. IFLScience — Newly Developed “Invisible” Ink Can Make Colored Tattoos That Appear And Then Disappear On Demand
   8. The Times of India — Researchers developed tattoo inks that can be switched on with ultraviolet light and made to disappear in sunlight; tests found the colours remained switchable in skin for up to 2.2 years, opening possible medical uses
   9. tech.yahoo.com — Cool chemistry trick allows new tattoos to 'turn on and off'
   10. economictimes.indiatimes.com — Tattoo that can vanish without being removed: Chemists ...
   11. poliinternational.com — PhotoTat: Full-Color Tattoo Ink You Can Switch Off With Light
   12. www.nine.com.au — Scientists develop tattoos you can turn on and off - nine.com.au
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