Wi-Fi Could Save Your Life

Wi-Fi networks can be found in your home, your office, and your favorite coffee shop. Now, the British Office of Communications (Ofcom) predicts that the same technology may be implanted in human beings – and used to save their lives.

The Times reports that the same Bluetooth technology popular in cell phones could be implanted into people at risk of heart attack or diabetic collapse, allowing doctors to monitor their status. If a person collapses, the "in-body network" would alert a hospital or doctor. The system is currently being tested in Britain. Ofcom hopes to extend the technology’s use beyond medical emergencies to include alerts when patients fail to take their medicine.

The report suggest other uses for short-range wireless technology. Food items could be tagged with microchips that would alert someone if they are about to eat something to which they are allergic. Sensors in cars could communicate with each other and apply the brakes to prevent collisions, or if it's too late, automatically call for emergency services.