Southern California’s beaches have grown more than 500 acres over the past four decades despite being one of the most heavily urbanized and dammed coastal regions in the world, according to a new study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Irvine, the U.S. Geological Survey and other institutions.

Researchers from North Carolina State University analyzed the state of smart textile research, and found that fiber battery encapsulation and mathematical modeling must improve in order for the technology to be useable. 

Researchers looked at five encapsulation techniques, from traditional polymeric tubes to using liquid metal to keep out oxygen and water. Each had benefits and drawbacks, but none had all of the qualities needed for viability in everyday clothing. They also found that existing mathematical models struggle to accurately predict the effect of fiber length on a battery's output. 

Scientists concluded that expertise from the packaging and electrochemical industries could help solve these problems, leading to fiber batteries capable of being woven into clothing.