'Mood-enhancing wallpaper' could soon be a reality
Wallpaper which can change colour to suit a person's mood and glow-in-the-dark clothing could become a reality after pioneering research into plastics, a top scientist claims.
Professor Ifor Samuel of Scotland's St. Andrews University's school of physics and astronomy also predicted the development of fold-away TVs, which people could take with them wherever they go.
The professor was speaking as he gave a presentation on his latest research into light at the Edinburgh International Science Festival.
He said he had discovered plastics which can conduct electricity and give out light when a voltage is applied to them.
Prof Samuel said: "The textbooks have always said plastic cannot conduct electricity, but it turns out there are some plastics which have a different structure to allow them to do it. When the correct voltage is applied, they can produce light."
He also said the futuristic research he has carried out over the past five years could eventually change the way we live our lives in the future.
The fashion world would want to take advantage of glow-in-the dark clothing, while light-emitting wallpaper could also revolutionise interior design.
He predicted the way we look at television could also change with the invention of foldable screens.
He said: "In terms of clothing, there would clearly be safety implications because there are many situations where we need people to be highly visible.
"Light-emitting wallpaper would also be a much more relaxing kind of light and could allow people to change the colour or pattern depending on their mood."
