Curiosity and contamination.

www.sciencemag.org SCIENCE VOL 337 28 SEPTEMBER 2012 1575 COVER A biodegradable integrated circuit (length: ~2.54 centimeters) shown partially dissolved by a droplet of water. This demonstration system includes transistors; diodes; inductors and capacitors, with magnesium for the electrodes/interconnects; magnesium oxide for the gate/interlayer dielectrics; silicon nanomembranes for the semiconductor; and silk as a thin, fl exible substrate. The dissolution characteristics can be tuned to address applications such as bioresorbable implants, biodegradable environmental monitors, and compostable consumer electronics. See page 1640.