In today’s edition of “Real Life Is Basically Already ‘Star Trek’,” researchers at the University of Texas have created a device that would allow cellphones to see through walls, wood, plastic, paper, and other solid objects. Yes, seriously. A microchip taps into a range of the electromagnetic spectrum, a receiver translates the data, and ta-da: instant x-ray vision for your iPhone. It’s unclear when this new technology will be available for purchase, but damn, we’re already daydreaming about the scary and awesome possibilities of portable x-ray vision. How would you use a device like this? To locate wall studs? See if there’s a tampon in the bottom of your purse? Or maybe to find a definitive answer to that age-old question: is that a banana in your pocket or are you just happy to see me? [EarthSky Science News]
