Scientists at the Australian National University have created tiny optical sensors that may pave the way to a wearable device that allows doctors to diagnose patient’s health in real time, according to Tech Xplore.
Leading the Nanotechnology Research laboratory at ANU is Associate Professor Antonio Tricoli, who said the sensors are 50 times thinner than a piece of human hair. He hopes one day the sensors will help detect diseases earlier such as diabetes and better manage the disease.
“These ultra-small sensors could be integrated into a watch to literally provide a window on our health,” said Dr. Tricoli. “This exciting invention shows that we are on the cusp of designing the next generation of wearable devices that will help people to stay well for longer and lead better lives.”
The sensors can measure gases coming from a person’s skin and breath called metabolites, which would allow doctors to keep track of patients’ health in real time.
“A wearable medical diagnostic device using our optical sensors may one day eliminate the need for blood tests and many other invasive procedures,” said Dr. Tricoli.
Someday, the sensors may have the ability to be integrated into different technologies for medical diagnosis, farming and space exploration.
