Scientists have come up with a nail polish that turns your nails into a stylus

Today's smartphones only respond to the touch of conductive materials, such as the skin of your fingers.

Fingernails, on the other hand:

• do not conduct electricity
• so the screen doesn't respond to their touch

Because of this, people with long fingernails have to press the screen with the pads of their fingers, which is uncomfortable.

Scientists have suggested covering the nails with a special transparent nail varnish.

It:

• slightly conducts electrical charge
• allows the screen to recognise the touch

As a result, the nail starts to work like a stylus.

Details

Unlike previous developments, the new lacquer does not contain metal particles or carbon nanomaterials.

Instead, safer organic substances are used that:

• are transparent
• can carry a charge

The technology is at an early stage.

Right now:

• the varnish does not always work consistently
• the effect may only last a few hours
• scientists are still looking for safer and more stable formulas

Why it's important

If developed into a finished product, it will make it possible to:

• comfortably use a smartphone with long nails
• simplify everyday activities
• use the nail polish even without a manicure, e.g. for calluses on fingers

Source

The study was presented at the American Chemical Society (ACS) conference. Scientists continue to work on improving the formula.