The technology, based around an "organic semiconductor" called pentacene (a hydrocarbon molecule) and a comparative instrument known as a Wheatstone bridge, can be embedded in fabrics such as undershirts and coupled with wireless transmitters.

ENGADGET: "Organic semiconductors" help researchers monitor your heart

At Century's Standard Textile factory, a partnership with the Israeli textile company Delta Galil, 300 women sit at industrial sewing machines making 14, 000 panties and undershirts a day for major U.S. brands, including Victoria's Secret and J.

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