U.S. scientists design smart underpants that could save lives 美國科學家設計出可救命的智慧內褲

 ◎陳成良
A team of U.S. scientists has designed some new men’s briefs that may be comfortable, durable and even stylish but, unlike most underpants, may be able to save lives.
一個美國科學家團隊已設計出一些新式男用短內褲。與大多數內褲不同的是，這種新產品不僅舒適、耐穿，甚至時尚，而且還可能挽救生命。
Printed on the waistband and in constant contact with the skin is an electronic biosensor, designed to measure blood pressure, heart rate and other vital signs.
這種內褲及腰帶上與皮膚固定接觸的部分，印製有一個電子生物感應器，用於測量血壓、心跳速率等以及其他生命跡象。
The technology, developed by nano-engineering professor Joseph Wang of University of California San Diego and his team, breaks new ground in the field of intelligent textiles and is part of shift in focus in healthcare from hospital-based treatment to home-based management.
這項由加州大學聖地牙哥分校的奈米工程學教授約瑟夫．王及其團隊開發的科技，在智慧紡織品領域開闢了新天地，也是醫療照護重心從醫院治療轉向家庭管理的其中一環。
The method is similar to conventional screen-printing although the ink contains carbon electrodes.
這種技術與傳統的網版印刷術類似，但染料中含有碳電極。
The project is being funded by the U.S. military with American troops likely to be the first recipients.
該項研究計畫由美國軍方資助，美國軍隊有可能成為首批客戶。
新聞辭典
briefs：名詞，短內褲。例句：He stripped himself to his briefs.（他脫掉衣服，只穿內褲。）
vital：形容詞，生命的；維持生命所必需的。例句：Growth and decay are vital processes.（生長和衰亡是生命過程。）
break new ground：片語，開闢新的領域；作出新發現。例句：Miles Davis broke new ground in jazz.（邁爾士．戴維斯為爵士樂開創出新風貌。）