A squishy hydrogel mimics the biology of an electric eel to shock nerves into action with a simple squeeze.

This mesoporous material generates a significant 180mV electrical output when it is physically compressed. The output is strong enough to trigger a response in a mouse sciatic nerve without any batteries or external wires. Most electronic implants require a constant power source that eventually needs to be replaced or recharged. This gel converts the natural mechanical motion of the body directly into the specific ionic signals that nerves use to communicate. It represents a major leap toward permanent medical implants that run entirely on the patient's own movements.