A new study by University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers demonstrates the effectiveness of homemade play putty at reading brain, heart, muscle and eye activity. Published in
Device, the research outlines the conductive properties of this material, so-named “squishy circuits.”
“[Squishy circuits] are literally child’s play putty, that is also conductive,” says Dmitry Kireev, assistant professor of biomedical engineering and senior author on the paper.
The conductive squishy circuits—whether homemade or store-bought—are made of flour, water, salt, cream of tartar and vegetable oil. “Salt is what makes it conductive,” Kireev explains.
As a child’s toy, this modeling clay is a malleable way to add lights to an art project by connecting them to a power source as a way to teach kids about circuits. Now, Kireev and his team have demonstrated that the material has more potential.
