But despite their significant benefits, modern medical implants aren’t perfect. Most of these implants rely on rigid metal batteries for power, which can make them uncomfortable for some patients. They’re also not designed to break down over time, so they need to be removed and replaced periodically. Thanks to a research team at Queens University Belfast in Ireland, however, that could be about to change. The researchers have created an innovative new organic battery that is flexible, biodegradable and capable of holding a charge three times larger than that of conventional batteries. Thanks to its thin, flexible design, the battery is far more comfortable for patients than traditional implants. It’s also non-flammable and environmentally friendly. Ultimately, this type of flexible battery could usher in a whole new generation of discreet, long-lasting medical implants. According to Dr. Geetha Srinivasan, the research team hopes to have their product on the market within the next five years. In the future, consumer electronics companies could find a number of other creative applications for the high-capacity flexible batteries as well.