Category: Monitoring

  • Wearable sensor detects chemical disease markers

    Wearable sensor detects chemical disease markers

    University of Michigan professors Sherman Fan and Zhaohui Zhong‘s newly developed graphene-based wearable sensor detects airborne chemicals that serve as disease indicators.   This could be the first wearable that monitors a broad array of chemical, rather than physical attributes. The sensor could detect acetone, a biomarker for diabetes, or abnormal levels of nitric oxide and oxygen, indicators of…

  • Biosensor monitor for post-surgery GI disorder

    Biosensor monitor for post-surgery GI disorder

    AbStats is a plastic, disposable, non-invasive acoustic gastrointestinal surveillance biosensor that attaches to the abdomen after surgery. It was developed by UCLA professor Brennan Spiegel and described in a paper published in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery this week. The device can help doctors determine which post-operative patients should be fed, and which should not, by monitoring for post-operative ileus,…

  • Sensor / 3D printing / bandage combination for continuous monitoring

    Sensor / 3D printing / bandage combination for continuous monitoring

    Bioscope bandages, developed at the National Taiwan University, wirelessly transmit temperature, heart rate, movement and vital sign data to doctors to monitor or remotely diagnose. The bandage comes with an integrated thermometer, accelerometer, and sensors to measure electrical activity. A microphone can track organ sound patterns to detect disease. The area holding the modules is…

  • Sensor “band-aid” assesses physical and cognitive performance

    Sensor “band-aid” assesses physical and cognitive performance

    Airmen at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base are testing bandage-like sensors that analyze sweat to assess physical and cognitive performance.  This is based on a study by Dr. Josh Hagen of the Air Force Research Lab.  The sensors notify users when stress, dehydration, and other health issues are detected. “Our vision is that every Airman at the beginning…

  • Arrhythmia monitoring patch

    Arrhythmia monitoring patch

    The iRythm Zio patch is a wearable sensor used to monitor arrhythmias in cardiac patients for up to two weeks. While it is a continuous monitor, the device also has a large button on top for patients to capture symptomatic events. This is an alternative to the 24 hour Holter monitor. The FDA approved device…

  • Measuring body chemistry at home

    Measuring body chemistry at home

    Cue is a health tracker that measures inflammation, vitamin D levels, fertility, influenza, and testosterone.  Its creators claim to bring tests that were previously only available in the lab into the home.  The system sends customized alerts with suggestions on how to improve one’s health. . A droplet of saliva, blood, or a nasal swab…

  • Gamified wearable activity monitor for kids

    Gamified wearable activity monitor for kids

    LeapFrog has embraced the wearables trend with a gamified fitness band for children aged 4-7. The Leapband screen displays a personalized virtual pet  which guides a child through a series of activity challenges and games. The more active they are, the more points they win, and the more games they are able to unlock of…

  • Wearable sensors monitor Parkinson’s symptoms

    Wearable sensors monitor Parkinson’s symptoms

    Kinesia’s HomeView and ProView technologies provide standardized platforms to quantify Parkinson’s disease symptoms in the clinic and at home. Physicians have the tools to quantify tremor, assess dyskinesia and measure bradykinesia remotely. A patient uses a take home kit, programmed to specific symptoms and treatments,to complete motor tests several times a day. The patient can also enter…

  • Patch monitors muscle activity, dispenses medicine

    Patch monitors muscle activity, dispenses medicine

    Kim Dae-Hyeong and colleagues at Seoul National University have created a dermal patch that measures and records muscle activity, dispenses medicine continuously, and stops drug delivery when appropriate.  The study was published in Nature Nanotechnology today. The system is ideal for Parkinson’s patients, as tremors that accompany the movement disorder are not constant.  The patch senses tremors early…

  • Smart pacifier monitors baby’s health and location

    Smart pacifier monitors baby’s health and location

    BlueMaestro’s Pacifi monitors a baby’s temperature and transmits the data to a parent’s phone or tablet.  Its app plots the data in a graph.  Parents can record when medication was administered, set-up alerts, and share the information with nannies and doctors. Pacifi features a built in proximity sensor that allows parents to monitor the pacifier’s location…

  • Wearables track, manage, predict epileptic seizures

    Wearables track, manage, predict epileptic seizures

    Artefact Dialog | SmartMonitor Artefact Dialog allows epilepsy patients to track, manage, and predict seizures. The patch-like wearable connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone app.  It can help wearers remember to take their medications, warn them about seizures, and alert friends, family, or caregivers when a seizure happens. Connected apps help users analyze where they…

  • Facial expression controlled ear computer/health monitor

    Facial expression controlled ear computer/health monitor

    AFP | Japan Times Kazuhiro Taniguchi of Hiroshima City University has developed a 17 gram “Earclip-type Wearable PC”  equipped with a GPS, compass, gyrosensor, battery, barometer, speaker and microphone.  A microchip and data storage enable users to load software.   The device is being tested now, with promising applications for the elderly and disabled. The system…