Researchers Developed A Wearable Sensor That Can Detect Infections Like COVID-19 And Influenza Through Human Sweat
Since Fitbits and Apple Watches revolutionized widespread health monitoring through the use of wearable sensors, a plethora of new studies has sought to push the bounds of wearable sensors’ abilities.
Now, a team of bioengineers from the University of Texas at Dallas has collaborated with EnLiSense LLC to create a wearable sensor that can identify the prevalence of infections through sweat.
Their study, published in Advanced Materials Technologies, found that the sweat sensor can detect two important biomarkers– one known as gamma-inducible protein (IP-10) and the other known as tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL).
If the wearable sensor detects elevated levels of either biomarker in your sweat, then there is likely a cytokine storm occurring in your body.
A cytokine storm is an immune reaction that occurs when the human body has contracted a severe infection.
Dr. Shalini Prasad, the head of bioengineering, described how detecting these markers via sweat is groundbreaking.
“Our work is pioneering because, until this date, it was unclear whether these molecules were present in sweat,” Dr. Prasad said.
“We established that our low-volume passive sweat technology is indeed able to measure these biomarkers.”
And with COVID-19 infections still a risk throughout the world, this sensor provides wearers with early insight into their Coronavirus positivity. It could also detect the flu.
Viacheslav Lakobchuk – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purpose only, not the actual person
Sign up for Chip Chick’s newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.
Moreover, the technology can be used by virtually anyone. Since it utilizes passive sweat, the wearer does not have to engage in strenuous physical activity to gauge an accurate read.
Instead, a removable strip collects sweat on a daily basis to provide real-time, round-the-clock monitoring. This makes the wearable sensor accessible to all age groups and ability levels.
Now, the researchers are planning to test their sensor in clinical trials focusing on patients with respiratory infections.
“We have built a technology to unlock and explore the latest frontier in sweat diagnostics,” Dr. Prasad said.
To read the study’s complete findings, visit the link here.
If true crime defines your free time, this is for you: join Chip Chick’s True Crime Tribe.
More About:Human Interest