Metal-free magnetic sensor developed for safe wireless implants

Researchers in the U.S. and China, led by Wubin Bai at the University of North Carolina, created a biocompatible metal-free magnet that can be safely implanted. Magnetism emerges from atomic rearrangement in heated carbon nitride, strengthening coupling between unpaired electrons and enabling signals from deep inside the body.

• The magnet contains no metal and is safe for implantation
• Magnetism emerges when carbon nitride is heated
• The device generates signals from deep inside the body for wireless monitoring