ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | NOVEMBER 2026 14 STRESS RELIEF POLYMER NANOPARTICLE INK MAKES TATTOOS DISAPPEAR A team of engineers from the University of Colorado Boulder designed a new line of multicolored tattoo inks that switch on and off with different kinds of light. Their technology could help business people hide their tattoos before an important meeting. Artistically inclined users could even doodle on their own skin using a simple laser pointer. “Tattooing is a very ancient technology that remains mostly untapped as a platform for today’s technologies,” says lead author Carson Bruns. The new inks, known as PhotoTat, are made from dyes and a plexiglasslike material common in many medical technologies on the market today, including dermal fillers. The dyes are normally invisible to the human eye. But shining an ultraviolet light on them activates their color change—turning them vibrant blue, magenta, and yellow. “PhotoTat is like a switch. You turn it on with UV light, but you can turn it off again when you go to grandma’s house,” says Bruns. The technology is not yet available at your local tattoo parlor. But Bruns and his team are perfecting the inks to make that a possibility in the coming years. colorado.edu Tattoo ink disappears a er light activation. Courtesy of University of Colorado, doi.org/10.1016/j.matlit. 2026.100119. FAS SUMMIT 2027 The Failure Analysis Society (FAS) has organized the Failure Analysis & Prevention Summit, which will take place in beautiful Oceanside, California, on February 2-4, 2027. Back again after a successful inaugural event last year, the Summit brings together engineers, researchers, and industry professionals to explore real-world failures, case studies, and next-generation prevention techniques. This year’s theme is “When Materials Meet Their Environment: Understanding Environmentally-Assisted Failures.” The Technical Program features invited talks by Thomas Akerson, David Ahearn, ASM President Daniel P. Dennies, Satish Dixit, Larry Hanke, Nikkhil Kar, Chris Misorski, David C. Riegner, Craig Schroeder, Han Tsan, Amy M. Wells, Eric Welshapt, and March Zupan. Multiple networking opportunities will allow attendees to connect with peers, industry leaders, and innovators across the field often with picturesque sunsets in view. Applied Technical Services is sponsoring the welcome reception and the two-day event. FAS President Dustin Turnquist serves as the Summit chair. Registration is now open and the early bird deadline is December 29. For more information and to register, visit asminternational.org/fas-summit-event. asminternational.axomo.com Show Your ASM Pride! Shop ASM apparel and essentials, affiliate society t-shirts, and more in our gear store!
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