Spring Break
UA researchers create wireless biosensors
Technology
Evan Billingsley
Issue date: 8/20/07 Section: News
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Biosensors placed into the brain can measure electrical and chemical activity there, stimulating neurons. When a sensor measures an increase in tremors in a patient with Parkinson's disease, it could trigger the release of dopamine a neurochemical through that stimulation, Veradan said.
Meanwhile, another biosensor that can be placed directly on the skin, or in a wristwatch, could measure the glucose level of a person without a blood sample, determining the necessity of insulin for a patient with diabetes.
The human body is not the only thing biosensors can monitor. Pending Federal Drug Administration approval, radio frequency identification tags could be placed in fresh fruits to measure the levels of any toxins within.
Other biosensors can focus on more extreme environmental dangers.
"This sensor is so tiny, you could put it in a button," Varadan said of a biosensor designed to determine the toxicity of a room. This function would be helpful to firefighters and other professionals in dangerous environments, varadan said
The biosensors also provide numerous benefits for athletics. Placing a sensor in the helmet, shirt or shoes of those in training for sports "shows how much pressure is put on the body during training," Varadan said.
Meanwhile, those who play golf can look forward to purchasing a smart club outfitted with sensors that can predict the optimal swing for a certain distance. Similarly, smart balls for sports like football and baseball will relay information to the athlete on the best way to throw the ball, Varadan said.
With business arrangements not yet finalized between the UA, Varadan's own company and Penn State, it could be several years before biosensors are integrated into products, Varadan said.
Meanwhile, another biosensor that can be placed directly on the skin, or in a wristwatch, could measure the glucose level of a person without a blood sample, determining the necessity of insulin for a patient with diabetes.
The human body is not the only thing biosensors can monitor. Pending Federal Drug Administration approval, radio frequency identification tags could be placed in fresh fruits to measure the levels of any toxins within.
Other biosensors can focus on more extreme environmental dangers.
"This sensor is so tiny, you could put it in a button," Varadan said of a biosensor designed to determine the toxicity of a room. This function would be helpful to firefighters and other professionals in dangerous environments, varadan said
The biosensors also provide numerous benefits for athletics. Placing a sensor in the helmet, shirt or shoes of those in training for sports "shows how much pressure is put on the body during training," Varadan said.
Meanwhile, those who play golf can look forward to purchasing a smart club outfitted with sensors that can predict the optimal swing for a certain distance. Similarly, smart balls for sports like football and baseball will relay information to the athlete on the best way to throw the ball, Varadan said.
With business arrangements not yet finalized between the UA, Varadan's own company and Penn State, it could be several years before biosensors are integrated into products, Varadan said.
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