Scientists plan to replace the standard blood test for sugar with a tattoo in the future
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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People who need to regularly check the blood sugar level will agree that this is an occupation of unpleasant. Specialists from the University of California offer to replace the usual procedure for checking for a temporary tattoo. Scientists have developed a prototype of a new system based on plastic electronics. A new device for measuring blood is two electrodes printed on paper. The image is applied to the body of a person, then it is exposed to a weak electric current for 10 minutes. As a result, sodium ions are attracted to the electrodes, which are present in the intercellular substance, together with sodium ions, sugar molecules are also attracted to the electrodes.
Sugar molecules create electrical charge, the level of which is a particularly sensitive sensor determines the amount of sugar in the body.
A new device for the determination of sugar has already been tested on seven volunteers of both sexes between the ages of 20 and 40 years. The efficiency of the sensor was tested after the participants in the tests were given high-calorie drinks and food.
As a result, scientists noted that the sensitivity of tattoos is the same as the standard blood test for sugar. However, at this stage it is impossible to determine the sugar level independently, since no special reading device has been created. Developers plan that information from the sensor via Bluetooth will be transmitted to the smartphone.
In addition, specialists intend to make the service life of the sensor as long as possible, and the cost of this device will be relatively low. Now with the help of the sensor it is possible to conduct various studies.
For example, scientists want to explore the nutritional preferences of participants and identify possible risk factors for the development of diabetes and methods for preventing this disease.
Also, the new sensor, in addition to sugar, can measure other indicators, such as protein products, lactic acid. It is possible that this sensor in the future will be used to determine the concentration of alcohol or drugs in the body.
Another research group from Hiroshima University has developed a new device capable of measuring the number of heart beats.
The sensor uses a special oscillator, which increases the weak vibrations, which are transmitted from the heartbeat to the bones and muscles.
The sensor turns into a two-centimeter layer of polyester that will help filter out high-frequency noises, such as noise from cars or human voices.
The signals picked up by the oscillator, with the help of a microphone, turn into sounds of the heart. The result is the same information as the standard electrocardiogram. The peculiarity of the new system is that the device is not fixed on the body. The new device can be fastened, for example, in car seats, which, according to the developers, will help to prevent accidents that occur due to drowsiness or heart attacks of drivers.
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