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Seoul Researchers Create Self-Powered Wearable from Body Heat

3/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Seoul National University researchers led by Professor Jeonghun Kwak developed a thin, flexible device that generates power from body heat.
They used a “dual thermal conductivity substrate” that lets heat flow sideways, preserving temperature differences for electricity.
The invention enables self-powered wearables, improving comfort and practicality for everyday use.
The study, supported by Korea’s National Research Foundation, is published in Science Advances.

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Story summary

Seoul National University researchers led by Professor Jeonghun Kwak developed a thin, flexible device that generates power from body heat.
They used a “dual thermal conductivity substrate” that lets heat flow sideways, preserving temperature differences for electricity.
The invention enables self-powered wearables, improving comfort and practicality for everyday use.
The study, supported by Korea’s National Research Foundation, is published in Science Advances.