London, UK. Scientists have shown how brain wiring develops in the first few months of life using a new myelin-specific MRI imaging technique. The scientists monitored the formation of insulating layers around nerve cells, a process called myelination, vital for normal brain function.

In very premature babies, the myelination process is prone to damage and contributes to a range of neurological, developmental, and psychiatric conditions later in life.

Champaign, IL, USA. Engineers embedded electronics into an ultrathin skin-like patch that mounts directly onto the skin — with integrated components for sensing, medical diagnostics, communications and human-machine interfaces.

The development goal is a device platform with closed feedback control that coordinates with the body itself, enabling advanced application for medicine, industry, and consumer convenience — all with the ease, flexibility and comfort of a temporary tattoo.