Scientists at the University of California have announced they've developed metamaterials that can make people invisible. Before this, it was already possible to cloak two-dimensional objects, but this is the first demonstration of three-dimensional objects being rendered invisible by artificially engineered materials that redirect light around the objects.

The metamaterials are mixtures of metal and circuit board materials such as ceramic, Teflon or fiber composite. They are designed to bend visible light in a way that ordinary materials don't.

This research is being heavily funded by the US Army. But it may not be long before it filters down to fashion design. Maybe we'll soon be seeing invisibility cloaks at fashion shows.

The photo above is the Invisible Man Sculpture in Harlem, NY.