Sensors & Wearables

Electrochemical Sensors Enable Inexpensive Disposable Diagnostics

Using an inexpensive electrode coated with DNA, researchers have designed disposable diagnostics that could be adapted to detect a variety of diseases, including cancer or...

Privacy and Data Security in the Era of Medical Wearables

As we continue to explore the impact of wearables on healthcare, this episode focuses on privacy and data security in the era of medical wearables. Wearables are collecting vast...

New Products and Services

See the new products and services, including Dickson's mapping suite designed to streamline the identification of critical hot and cold zones and the analysis of temperature and humidity trends; Littelfuse's series of sealed tactile switches for surface-mount technology; Mahr Inc.'s height gage designed for ease of use and efficiency in production environments; and more.

Tiny Microlaser Sensors Offer Supercharged Biosensing

Researchers have developed a 3D microprinted sensor for highly sensitive on-chip biosensing. The sensor, which is based on a polymer whispering-gallerymode microlaser, opens new opportunities for developing high-performance, cost-effective lab-on-a-chip devices for early disease diagnosis. Read on to learn more.

DNA-Inspired Design for Stronger, Flexible Sensors for Wearables

A fiber sensor inspired by the shape of DNA, developed by researchers at Shinshu University, introduces a new design for more durable, flexible fiber sensors in wearables. Read on to learn more.

CO-TENG: An Origami-Inspired Self-Powering Sensor for Smart Wearables

Sensors are used everywhere. But traditional sensors often rely on rigid components and batteries, limiting their applications in soft systems. To address this, researchers have developed a smarter alternative. Using a paper-folding technique in combination with a triboelectric nanogenerator, they created a novel energy-harvesting sensor with promising potential for next-gen soft devices. Read on to learn more.

Researchers Develop Self-Illuminating Biosensor

Engineers have harnessed quantum physics to detect the presence of biomolecules without the need for an external light source, overcoming a significant obstacle to the use of optical biosensors in healthcare. Read on to learn more.

Wristband All-in-One Monitor for Diabetes, Cardio Care

A wearable wristband could significantly improve diabetes management by continuously tracking not only glucose but also other chemical and cardiovascular signals that influence disease progression and overall health. Read on to learn more.

Smart Capsule Designed to Study GI Tract

Engineers have developed a smart capsule called PillTrek that can measure pH, temperature, and a variety of different biomarkers. It incorporates simple, inexpensive sensors into a miniature wireless electrochemical workstation that relies on low-power electronics. Read on to learn more.

Optoelectronic Patch Could Transform Blood Pressure Monitoring

A flexible optoelectronic patch, or ePatch, that is worn on a patient’s skin can continuously monitor blood pressure without the need for compressible cuffs or wired devices....

Self-Powered Patch Monitors Biomarkers Without Drawing Blood

Researchers have developed a self-powered microneedle patch to monitor a range of health biomarkers without drawing blood or relying on batteries or external devices. In...

Integrating AI into Medical Wearables

Artificial intelligence is transforming the design and function of wearable medical devices.

Flexible Material Offers Promise for Self-Powered Wearable Sensors

Could clothing monitor a person’s health in real time, because the clothing itself is a self-powered sensor? A new material created through electrospinning, which is a...

Wearable Platform Enables Continuous Measurement Using Ambient Light

Researchers have developed a next-generation wearable platform that enables 24-hour continuous measurement by using ambient light as an energy source and optimizing power...

How Wearables Are Transforming Chronic Disease Management

Wearable devices expand the ability to identify patients earlier and deliver more targeted treatments.

Wearable Lactation Pads Detect Chemicals in Milk

Engineers have developed a smart lactation pad that can quantify a wide range of chemicals in breast milk in real time. Read on to learn more.

Long-Lasting 3D Printed Wearable Transforms Health Monitoring

A long-lasting, 3D-printed, adhesive-free wearable provides a more comprehensive picture of a user’s physiological state. The device, which measures water vapor and skin emissions of gases, continuously tracks and logs physiological data associated with dehydration, metabolic shifts, and stress levels. Read on to learn more.

Cracking the Code of Cardiac Care: How AI-Enabled ECG Could Solve Key Challenges in CVD Diagnosis

The escalating costs and prevalence of cardiovascular disease demand innovative solutions that can enhance care quality while alleviating financial burden. AI-enabled ECG technology may offer a compelling and actionable response to these challenges. Read on to learn more.

Technology

What implantable sensor system became the first FDA-cleared continuous glucose monitor designed to remain in the body for up to 90 days?

Handheld Device Could Transform Heart Disease Screening

A handheld device could potentially replace stethoscopes as a tool for detecting certain types of heart disease. The device makes it easy for people with or without medical training to...

3D Ink Improves Comfort, Durability of ‘Smart Wearables’

Researchers have demonstrated a 3D ink printing method for so-called smart fabrics that continues to perform well after repeated washings and abrasion tests. The research...

Wearable Mimics CT Scans, Delivers Continuous Monitoring of Heart, Lungs

Researchers have developed a first-of-its-kind wearable device capable of continuously scanning the lungs and heart of hospital patients while they rest in bed —...

Device Helps Diagnose Depression, Anxiety

Researchers have developed a lab-on-a-chip device measures the stress hormone cortisol from a patient’s saliva. Knowing if a patient has elevated stress hormones can provide useful diagnostic...

Device Detects Infections from Skin Temperature

An international team has developed an intelligent device capable of monitoring the temperature of the skin continuously and accurately. The device uses a thermoelectric system that works...

Ultrasonic Welding: Key Considerations for Designing Medical Wearables

The trend toward medical wearables will continue to grow in the coming years. At the same time, the requirements for skin compatibility, wearing comfort, and sustainability are increasing. Ultrasonic welding offers a reliable alternative to conventional bonding techniques to meet these increasing requirements. Read on to learn more.

Videos of the Month

See the videos of the month, including one on 3D printing complex, more durable robots from a variety of high-quality materials in one go; one on a fully digital design-to-manufacturing process that has the potential to revolutionize lower limb socket production; one on commercial and open-source electronic circuit boards that can be embedded into soft robots; and one on scalable methods of developing battery- and solar-powered fibers, making it theoretically possible for electrical energy to be harvested from, and stored in the clothing.

Researchers Explore the Future of Wearable Multisensory Haptics

While early haptic devices focused on single-sensory cues like vibration-based notifications, modern advancements have paved the way for multisensory haptic devices that...

Videos of the Month

See the videos of the month, including one on monitoring brain blood flow with a wearable ultrasound patch; one on the Air Curtain, an invisible mask to kill viruses and block nearly all aerosols; one on helping amputees walk normally; and one on building a bionic eye using ‘bioinspiration.'