Prof. Hossam Haick says the system will aid the long-term collection of information for epidemiological studies. (Credit: American Technion Society)

Researchers have developed an integrated system for early diagnosis of diseases using wearable monitors. Able to continuously monitor physiological indicators without disturbing the user, the system can repair itself in the event of a tear or scratch, and receives the energy required for operation from the wearer.

This could help spare patients much pain and suffering, greatly reduce medical expenses, and provide extensive and detailed information for epidemiological studies.

The system contains sensors and tools that process the data and transmit it to the authorized medical authority. It combines a series of innovative elements that provide unprecedented monitoring capability, including a combination of precise sensing and advanced analysis tools, the energy it requires for operation is derived from the wearer’s body (movements and body heat), and the device is made of advanced self-healing materials in case of a scratch or cut.

The energy derivation and self-repair give the new device a long lifespan and prevent the need to turn off the system for repair or charging. Although the system’s components already exist, a platform that integrates them all has not yet been developed. It requires a complex array of sensors, a tiny and flexible circuit board for measuring the markers, and components that process the information and transfer it to the cloud. All of these are being implemented in the new system.

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