Everything is connected. Even tomorrow’s health will increasingly rely on data streams. Medically relevant parameters can be analyzed and exchanged no matter how, or when, they were collected. And this is where specialty glass comes in as a clear enabler: It provides the perfect material base for integrating thin-film sensors in the tiniest of spaces in delicate measurement instruments. An additional benefit of speciality glass is that it makes the “health checker” resistant to temperature and mechanical effects, or chemical substances. And it does so with maximum precision and durability.

The increasing interconnectedness of multiple devices and sensors requires new technologies for the transmission of data. The enormous amounts of data are also supposed to be transported preferably in real time and mobile. But how, considering that the mobile data volumes are already doubling every two years? High frequency applications such as 5G, the new cellular mobile standard, with transmission rates of up to 10 gigabytes per second will permit a hundred times higher bandwidths. Researchers are already working on the next generation of ultra-fast data paths. New types of specialty glass and glass-ceramics play a key role in realizing tomorrow’s antennas, which must be continually smaller and more efficient. Thanks to their homogeneity, mechanical stability and extremely low thermal expansion, they are paving the way for future transmission technologies. Conceivably they are  transparent and electrically conductive coatings, which can also be applied to invisible antennas.

Hardly any other material is synonymous with purity and cleanliness like glass making it perfectly suited for diagnostics. Biocompatible glass prevents highly sensitive samples from being falsified, playing a crucial role in diagnostics. Due to their optical transparency and chemical stability, glass biochips allow for complex protein analyses. After all, a precise diagnosis is the first step in the overall healing process. The material properties of many types of glass also help them to act as bioactive helpers. They accomplish this by releasing ions and minerals, thus accelerating healing processes in skin rashes for example. When it comes to cosmetics, they are a true anti-aging wonder; they reduce the visibility of wrinkles, have an antioxidant effect and enrich brittle fingernails with valuable minerals.

A display that is bendable, rollable or foldable? With our extremely thin and flexible glass, new technological dimensions can now be considered, which previously were not possible. How about ultra-thin and stable bandages made from glass, which, due to their “bio” properties, help wounds to heal faster, while simultaneously transmitting important health information in real time? Sounds utopian perhaps, but due to the special properties of glass, it could soon be a reality. Glass will soon be providing ultra-thin protection in applications such as foldable smart phones. And it does so with maximum stability and extraordinary aesthetics. Glass gives sensitive electronic components – including OLED displays, sensors, batteries and cameras – the maximum scratchproof, temperature-resistant, waterproof protection, while still leaving creative room for previously unimaginable display options. Even under extreme conditions.