The patch of crystals will monitor the health

New smart fabric is able to warn the owner about dry skin or need to visit a doctor. Researchers have demonstrated a small piece of cloth with many built-in tiny sensors that monitor the condition. When detecting sudden changes in the sensors change color.

A study conducted by experts at northwestern University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, showed that the device can quickly notify the user of the malfunction of the cardiovascular system or to remind you to moisturize the skin cream. The device is in appearance similar to the patch area of about 5 square centimeters, can be worn on the skin 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to monitor his health, the newspaper Daily Mail.

The developed device is mechanically invisible. It is ultrathin and comfortable to wear, making it similar to the skin. It is the first device of its kind, said one of the principal investigators, Jungang Huang, and noting the great interest in the development from the cosmetic companies, who have long been looking for an opportunity to measure the dryness of the skin portable and unobtrusive way.





The device was tested on the wrists of people. Details of the study were published in the scientific journal Nature Communications.

The practicality of this device is that it does not restrict movement. When the skin is stretched or compressed, the device does the same thing. Tracking temperature changes on the skin surface, the system determines the velocity of blood flow. These parameters can be judged on the work of the cardiovascular system and the skin's moisture.

The smart patch consists of 3600 liquid crystals, each of which is 0.5 mm square. Crystals placed on a thin, soft and stretchable substrate.

On temperature variations, the crystal responds by changing color. A special algorithm translates the received medical data information in less than 30 seconds.

According to the researchers, the new technology greatly extends the functionality of wearable devices, providing them with benefits of infrared electronics used in hospitals and clinics. The new device offers low cost and portability, and wireless heating system to determine thermal properties of the skin by means of electromagnetic waves.

MIT scientists are also developing a "second skin". However, their development is intended for astronauts.

Source: hi-news.ru