The laces – created by researchers in the Advanced Textiles Research Group (ATRG) in collaboration with technology group QinetiQ - contain light emitting diodes (LEDs) the size of fleas and are switched on or off by the wearer tapping the shoes together.

 Professor Tilak Dias, who leads the ATRG in the School of Art & Design, said: “These laces could become a very simple way for runners or cyclists to improve their visibility on dark winter nights. Our They could also become popular as a fashion accessory and worn for aesthetic purposes.”

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