Electrical pulses through body tissue could help tiny implants communicate

Science News reports that researchers developed SWANS, a network that sends electrical pulses through body tissue. In a rat test, front-leg motion sensors prompted an external hub to signal neurostimulator implants, making back-leg muscles contract. Tiny implants can detect the signals while using almost no power when listening. Longer tests in larger animals are needed to assess risks, including possible heart rhythm disruptions, before use in humans.