It takes skill and experience to practise reflexology, the art of therapeutic
foot massage, says Barbara Hobbs in British patent application 2 323 464. She
hopes to patent a pair of socks printed with codes which tell novice
reflexologists where to press, and which areas to leave alone if, say, the
patient is pregnant. The socks are mapped with coloured islands, each
representing one of the 11 shiatsu points which practitioners say match 11 key
body areas. Novices simply put the socks on a patient, and press where indicated
to address specific ailments.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Test moderators use AI-generated writing to judge literacy standards
News
Technology
We should decide how AI shapes the future, not tech firms
Comment
Technology
Quantum voting could make elections more secure
News
Technology
DeepMind AI gives an extra day of warning ahead of deadly cyclones
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles