Do-it-yourself microneedle

Scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) have reported the development of a microneedle patch that can be self-administered and painlessly deposit a tattoo onto skin within minutes. The technology is initially proposed for simple human medical or animal uses, but a number of cosmetic uses may be possible in the future. Microneedle technology has been available for a few years. Researchers have proposed various uses for the patches including delivering vaccines and insulin or measuring alcohol and glucose levels in real time. Initial uses for the technology proposed by the researchers include medical applications, such as tiny tattoos communicating blood type or medical conditions. Other more immediate uses could be in veterinarian contexts to note an animal’s vaccination status.