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                     Wearable Sensor Monitors Perspiration

   by VOA News

   As the popularity of wearable fitness trackers continues to grow,
   researchers are developing a sensor that can glean health information
   from perspiration.
   Writing in the journal Nature, researchers from the University of
   California, Berkeley, [1]have developed a "flexible sensor" which can
   measure metabolites and electrolytes in sweat. It also measures skin
   temperature and can send all the data wirelessly to a smartphone.
   "Human sweat contains physiologically rich information, thus making it
   an attractive body fluid for non-invasive wearable sensors," said study
   principal investigator Ali Javey, a UC Berkeley professor of electrical
   engineering and computer sciences. "However, sweat is complex and it is
   necessary to measure multiple targets to extract meaningful information
   about your state of health. In this regard, we have developed a fully
   integrated system that simultaneously and selectively measures multiple
   sweat analytes, and wirelessly transmits the processed data to a
   smartphone. Our work presents a technology platform for sweat-based
   health monitors."
   The data gathered by the device can offer insights into a person's
   fatigue level, level of hydration and body temperatures.
   Additionally, the sensor can measure "metabolites glucose and lactate,
   the electrolytes sodium and potassium, and skin temperature," according
   to the researchers.
   "Having a wearable sweat sensor is really incredible because the
   metabolites and electrolytes measured by the Javey device are vitally
   important for the health and well-being of an individual," said George
   Brooks, a UC Berkeley professor of integrative biology and a co-author
   on the study. "When studying the effects of exercise on human
   physiology, we typically take blood samples. With this non-invasive
   technology, someday it may be possible to know what's going on
   physiologically without needle sticks or attaching little, disposable
   cups on you."
   The researchers say they plan to shrink the device and "ramp up" the
   number of things it can measure in sweat.
   The researchers say the sensor could have applications beyond
   monitoring a workout.
   "While Professor Javey's wearable, non-invasive technology works well
   on sweating athletes, there are likely to be many other applications of
   the technology for measuring vital metabolite and electrolyte levels of
   healthy persons in daily life," said Brooks. "It can also be adapted to
   monitor other body fluids for those suffering from illness and
   injury."

   Here's a video about the tracker:

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   [2]http://www.voanews.com/content/mht-wearable-sensor-monitors-sweat-pe
   rspiration/3166471.html

References

   1. http://www.eurekalert.org/multimedia/pub/107381.php?from=317106
   2. http://www.voanews.com/content/mht-wearable-sensor-monitors-sweat-perspiration/3166471.html