Researchers at NTT Corp. and the University of Tokyo have developed the first combined battery-and-sensor circuitry from environmentally friendly materials that can transmit a communications signal. The proof-of-concept device is composed of carbon electrodes and wiring and other benign materials, including magnesium and cellulose, in place of metals such as lithium, copper, cobalt, and nickel that are potentially hazardous when carelessly discarded. Kazuhiro Gomi, CEO of NTT Research in Sunnyvale, Calif., notes that the device is still in an early stage of development and there is much work to be done. “But now we have all the elements in place for an environmentally friendly battery and sensor, and we’ve proved the concept works.” Researchers Build Disposable Sensors With Organic Circuitry – IEEE Spectrum