Tattoos With Benefits

I realize, as the inkless half of "Phil & Mel in the Morning," I'm much less qualified than Mel to blog about tattoos. However, I think the idea of tattoos that can keep you healthy has a lot of merit.

Imagine knowing if you're about to get a sunburn or run a fever just by looking at your tattoo.

Scientists at the University of Colorado, Harvard University, and M.I.T. have been developing tattoo inks that can monitor changes in the body, such as UV light exposure, internal temperature, blood sugar, or sodium level. One researcher refers to them "chameleon tattoos" because they're designed to change color under certain conditions.

These so-called tech tattoos could even benefit un-inked people by monitoring blood alcohol level. If someone has been drinking in a bar and notices a change in their tattoo color, they might be more likely to call an Uber than attempt to drive themselves.

According to one report, the introduction of "chameleon tattoos" into the marketplace is still a few years off. I might actually be willing to get the one that acts a body temperature thermometer. It reminds me of Coors Light's cold-activated packaging. "When the mountains turn blue, it's as cold as the Rockies!"