The acoustic waves from rap music may help power miniature medical sensors implanted in the body.

A device developed by researchers at Purdue University’s Birck Nanotechnology Center harnesses the frequency of music to cause a cantilever to vibrate and generate electricity. Rap’s strong bass component is particularly useful because of its low frequency; also, the frequency changes continually, allowing the sensor to switch between storing electrical charge and transmitting data.

The rap-powered sensor could aid the treatment of individuals with aneurisms or incontinence due to paralysis.

Source: Purdue University, www.purdue.edu.