Chinese scientists have developed a polymer that converts heat from its stretching into electricity , an advance that could lead to self-powered smartwatches .

Researchers at Peking University say the breakthrough material, which is like a rubber band, efficiently converts its elasticity into electricity.

It works on the principle of thermoelectricity by which temperature differences generate power.

“Until now, all reported high-performance thermoelectric materials have realised only flexibility rather than elasticity,” the researchers wrote in their study published in the journal Nature .

Currently, wearable devices like smartwatches need batteries or frequent charging.

The new material could provide a constant power supply without need for charging.

The new material c

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