Journal 15 Dec 6

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34280084/ns/technology_and_science-innovation/

In this article, a new form of touchscreen is discussed, which is based on circular 'coffee-stain'-like formations. These formations are caused by droplets of water or solvent with dye in them drying. The outer edge dries faster than the middle, causing currents in the water/solvent to push dye to the edge of the circle, depositing it in a ring. When this is done with silver or copper nanoparticles, the rings can conduct electricity, without them being too close together, which would make the touchscreen opaque. Using this, they can create touchscreens which are 95% transparent, and conduct electricity. The added bonus is that they can also generate a small amount of solar power, allowing the device to charge in the presence of light. It is not a very efficient charging mechanism, but it is certainly not a negative addition to the product. Apparently the touch screen industry is searching for alternatives to the current metal used to make them, so this could be a welcome addition to the lineup. In this article it describes the high electrical conductivity of these silver rings, which means they're definitely an efficient and effective means of creating new electronic touchscreen devices. This may not be a high priority technological breakthrough that will affect millions of people, such as breakthroughs in alternative methods of energy aside from fossil fuels, but it definitely is a good thing to research, because new electronics are always being developed, many of which have touchscreens. I was not able to find any information on whether this material would be any cheaper than the current metals used, but if the researchers are happy about the research, it will probably benefit consumers quite a bit, and any cheaper way to make better technology helps out the researchers and developers as well.