(Credit: Stock)
NIAAA is once again challenging the biotech community to design a wearable device capable of measuring blood alcohol content (BAC) in near real-time. Developers are asked to create a device that measures alcohol concentration in the blood or in the interstitial fluid that surrounds the body’s cells, as opposed to using technology that detects alcohol released through the skin in sweat or vapor.
As in the first competition, the ideal biosensor will be capable of measuring alcohol levels noninvasively as a sleek and unobtrusive device. The creators of the winning prototype will be awarded $200,000 through Challenge.gov, which lists federal incentive prizes and competitions. The second place developers will receive $100,000.
In addition to its potential for researchers, alcohol biosensors could also be a tool for consumers who wish to track their personal drinking patterns. Winners will be announced in August.
