Add one to the Winds of Discovery pile. This item was mailed in by loyal reader J.K.L., and comes from a recent edition of Good Morning, Silicon Valley:
"With the help of their colleagues at Stanford and Impact Measurement, scientists at PARC have developed a garment that allows martial arts judges to better assess the force of blows to the body in sparring matches. The garment uses wireless piezoelectric pressure sensors to translate the force of impact into a readable electrical signal that can be used to score the match. Currently being tested in tae kwon do matches, the technology could also be used for sensing impact in other contact sports."
Word has it that the company is eagerly seeking test subjects to wear the tutu model into local biker bars...
This sounds like the "lightweight, liquid filled" material being developed for the military. It will be used to replace the uniforms worn by troops in combat.
Without impacting the normal maneuverability of the individual soldier it will, on impact, instantly harden to prevent any penetration of a bullet or shrapnel.