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Patch Would Track Health

Posted Apr 17, 08 12:25 PM CDT in Technology,  Science & Health 

(Newser) – Researchers are developing a patch to monitor the wearer’s health by collecting sweat. Embedded in a band or shirt, it analyzes the sweat’s electrolyte content to determine if the person is overexerting or stressed. Other health-monitoring clothing usually detects body temperature and heart rate—testing biochemical signals is “truly unique,” one industry engineer told Technology Review.

The patch also screens indicators that other “smart clothes” monitor, such as pH, pulse, sweat conductivity, and oxygen saturation. Biotex, a group of research institutes and companies in Europe, is about to start testing the patch on obese children and diabetics. The idea is to provide information both for research and to a wearer’s doctor, as well as to allow self-monitoring.

Source MIT Technology Review

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Katie and Ellie Clark, Sept. 12, 2007. Both mother and daughter have an implant in their side to help monitor blood sugar level. A new patch would monitor diabetics' health by analyzing their sweat.   (AP Photo)
Nader Masri exercise in Gaza City, in this Saturday April 5 2008 file photo. A new patch is being tested to monitor the wearer's health by analyzing sweat samples to detect overexertion or stress.   (AP Photo)
An overweight person eats in London, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007. A new patch is being tested to monitor the health of obese children and diabetics by analyzing their sweat.   (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
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