Category: Sensors
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Nanoparticle sensor to detect illness early
Andrew Conrad, head of Google Lifesciences, has confirmed that the company is working on nanoparticle technology that would be swallowed, and used in combination with an external device to continuously monitor the blood to detect cancer, heart disease, and other health issues. It is known as the “Nanoparticle Platform.” While the technology is in an…
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Low cost digital sensor detects Ebola in 1 hour
Conventional fluorescent label based virus detection methods require expensive lab equipment, significant sample preparation, transport and processing times, and extensive training to use. Boston University professors Selim Unlu and John Connor are working on a rapid, label-free, chip-scale photonic device to provide affordable, simple, and accurate on-site detection. Current methods can require an hour for sample preparation,…
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Sweat sensor patch tracks health
University of Cincinnati professor Jason Heikenfeld and US Air Force Research Laboratory’s Joshua Hagen are developing a perspiration sensor patch to monitor electrolytes, metabolites and other biomarkers. The patch currently includes a sodium sensor, a voltage meter, a communications antenna, microfluidics, and a controller chip that’s externally powered by a smartphone. It is printed onto…
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Bio-paper discs for rapid Ebola detection
Paper discs that detect Ebola are being developed for use as a rapid, cheap, simple method to identify infected people. According to Harvard‘s Wyss Institute‘s Jim Collins, the technology prints sequences of DNA on paper, and then the paper is freeze-dried and stored at room temperature. The DNA is reactivated by adding water. Once active,…
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“Smart bandage” changes color as wounds heal
Harvard Medical School professor Conor L. Evans has developed a transparent liquid bandage that does not need to be removed to check oxygen levels. Its phosphors glow red when a wound isn’t getting enough oxygen, and green when it is. The glowing effect is triggered by a light source that can be captured with a smartphone camera.…
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Implanted sensor continously monitors CHF
CardioMEMS is a sensor placed in the pulmonary artery of heart failure patients. It monitors pressure in the lungs and detects deterioration in the heart, long before changes in blood pressure and weight. Medication can be changed immediately to correct the problem and prevent hospital readmission. Data is sent to the physician daily.
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Smartphone sensors power mental health app
Dartmouth professor Andrew Campbell has developed a mental health monitoring app based on automatic smartphone sensing. StudentLife compares students’ happiness, stress, depression and loneliness to their academic performance In a recent study, passive sensors continuously collected data on location, conversations, mobility, and sleep patterns of 48 participants over 10 weeks. The students were also prompted with questions about their…
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NIH “Bionic Man” with 14 sensor and brain controlled functions
The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering recently launched the “NIBIB Bionic Man,” an interactive Web tool detailing 14 sensor based technologies they are supporting. They include: 1. A robotic leg prosthesis that senses a person’s next move and provides powered assistance to achieve a more natural gate. 2. A light sensitive biogel and…
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Prick-free continuous glucose monitor
Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System eliminates finger pricking for diabetics. The insertion of a tube under the skin is required, therefore the procedure, while continuous and comfortable, is still invasive. A user wears a sensor on the back of the upper arm, and through a small tube inserted just under the skin, it measures…
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Nanoparticle sensor detects breast cancer
In a paper published last week, University of Nebraska professor Ravi Saraf and fellow Chieu Van Nguyen describe a thin-film sensor that can detect breast tumors too small and deep to be felt with the fingers. Using the standard silicone breast model used to train doctors in manual breast exams, the film detected tumors as small as…
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Face video scan detects heart disease
According to University of Rochester professor Jean-Philippe Couderc, cardiac disease can be identified and diagnosed using contactless video monitoring of the face. A recent study describes technology and an algorithm that scan the face and detect skin color changes imperceptible to the naked eye. Sensors in digital cameras record the colors red, green, and blue. Hemoglobin “absorbs”…
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Crowdfunded kinematic wearable assesses joint health
runScribe, a wearable being crowdfunded on Kickstarter, has a 9-axis kinematic sensor, capturing 3D images of a runner’s gait. It assesses foot strike type, stride length and contact time. Upgraded versions access 13 kinematic metrics, including degrees of pronation and accelerometer data. The company claims that casual through ultra-runners can benefit from the device. They are…