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Glow with the flow: Implanted 'living skin' lights up to signal health changes

A Japanese research team has developed a biohybrid approach that works inside the body, transforming engineered skin into a visible indicator of internal biological states. The system leverages the body's natural skin regeneration to support long-term biomarker monitoring, providing a visual readout without blood sampling.

Can an electronic nose detect indoor mold?

Researchers developed an electronic nose that can detect and identify two common indoor mold species using nanowires. The e-nose measures changes in electrical resistance to gas molecules interacting with a sensing material, proving its potential for fast and objective monitoring of indoor air quality.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Sensor Research·DateDec 17, 2025

Electrodes created using light

Researchers at Linköping University have successfully created electrodes from conductive plastics using visible light, eliminating the need for toxic chemicals. The technology allows for the creation of flexible electronics and biocompatible sensors on various surfaces, including skin.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 15, 2025

Towards inclusive wearable sensors: Polarized light boosts accuracy of wearable health sensors for all skin tones

A newly developed wearable sensor uses polarized light to improve photoplethysmography (PPG) signal accuracy across different skin tones. The device splits light into two channels, detecting co-polarized and cross-polarized signals to filter out superficial scattering and capture stronger signals from deeper tissue.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·TypeObservational study·DateDec 10, 2025

New conductive hydrogel is as soft as the brain

Researchers at the University of Groningen have developed a new conductive hydrogel that is as soft as the brain, enabling biocompatible electronics. The gel's high sensitivity and flexibility make it ideal for continuous monitoring of vital signs in smart health devices.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalMaterials Today Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2025

Nanopores act like electrical gates

Biological nanopores have unique ability to control molecular transport but also exhibit complex behavior. Researchers found that electrical charges within the pore influence ion movement and gating occurs when a charge imbalance destabilizes the pore. This study offers way to fine-tune biological nanopores for specific tasks.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 11, 2025

Sweat-powered sticker turns your drinking cup into a health sensor

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed an electronic sticker that monitors vitamin C levels using sweat from fingertips, providing a convenient and low-cost alternative to current methods. The system is battery-free and can be manufactured at a low cost, making it potentially disposable and widely accessible.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateNov 10, 2025

IOCB Prague unveils a fundamentally faster, more affordable way to produce quantum nanodiamonds

A new method allows for the creation of light-emitting quantum centers in nanodiamonds in just four minutes, yielding large quantities of high-quality material. The breakthrough enables industrial production of higher-quality and more affordable quantum nanodiamonds with applications in research and technology.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2025

An aircell hydrogel for ultra-sensitive human-machine interaction

Researchers developed an ultra-sensitive hydrogel for human-machine interaction, achieving high-accuracy collaboration in remote surgical operations and virtual reality. The AirCell Hydrogel boasts a smooth surface and porous interior structure, allowing it to detect various human motions with exceptional accuracy.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 16, 2025

New biosensor tracks plants’ immune hormone in real time

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a pioneering biosensor that can detect and track salicylic acid dynamics in living plants. The SalicS1 tool provides fresh insights into how plants coordinate local and systemic defenses against pathogens, with potential applications for improving crop resilience and understandin...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2025

DGIST successfully developed “spraying like inkjet” technique to produce high-sensitivity biosensors

A research team at DGIST has successfully developed a drop-and-spread inkjet printing technique to fabricate high-sensitive biosensors. The technology enables precise sensor fabrication without expensive equipment, showing potential for early diagnosis and real-time monitoring of neurological diseases.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 8, 2025

Catalyst-free ionogel turns bamboo to 11-MPa “super-skin” for IoT sensors

Researchers have developed a catalyst-free ionogel made from cellulose and an ionic liquid that exhibits exceptional strength and conductivity, outperforming synthetic analogues. The gel is also eco-friendly and low-cost, making it suitable for fully compostable high-performance electronics.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2025

Crop monitoring system utilizing IoT, AI and other tech showcased at ASABE

The system tracks and analyzes crop development using data from sensors, biosensors, the Internet of Things, and AI. Strong security protocols ensure farmer data remains private and resilient against future quantum computer attacks. The research team plans to improve their system with faster sensor processing and a solar-powered battery.

SourceSouth Dakota State University·JournalTransactions of the ASABE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2025

‘Major leap in bioelectronic sensing’: Rice researchers turn bacteria into tiny pollution detectors

Researchers at Rice University have engineered E. coli to act as living multiplexed sensors, detecting multiple environmental toxins simultaneously by converting biological responses into readable electrical signals. The system can detect combined hazards more efficiently and accurately, with potential applications in biocomputing.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2025

Artificial biosensor can better measure the body’s main stress hormone

A new artificial biosensor developed by University of California, Santa Cruz's Andy Yeh can accurately measure cortisol levels across all relevant ranges for human health. The sensor uses a smartphone camera to detect light emissions, providing high sensitivity and dynamic range for detecting small molecule analytes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 28, 2025

Manipulation of light at the nanoscale helps advance biosensing

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed cryosoret nanoassemblies that enhance fluorescence signals, reducing detection limits for biomarkers. The new platform offers dual-mode interaction between electric and magnetic components of light, promising highly sensitive and tunable biosensing systems.

Chance discovery improves stability of bioelectronic material used in medical implants, computing and biosensors

A team of scientists discovered a method to produce a stable and conductive bioelectric material without the need for a chemical crosslinker. The new process uses high heat to stabilize the material, producing devices with three times higher electrical conductivity and more consistent stability.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2025

DNA origami suggests route to reusable, multifunctional biosensors

Researchers at Caltech developed a DNA origami-based approach to create reusable, multifunctional biosensors for quickly detecting proteins in bodily fluids. The system uses a lilypad-like structure with short DNA strands to bind to molecules of interest, allowing for the detection of larger molecules such as large proteins.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2025

New glucose monitoring method could revolutionize diabetes management by eliminating finger-sticks for blood samples

Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new paper-based biosensor system that uses bacterial spores to monitor glucose levels in sweat, eliminating the need for finger-stick devices. The system is shelf-stable, self-replicating, and can endure harsh environments, making it a promising alternative for diabetes management.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateJan 9, 2025

Paving the way for diagnostics

Researchers at the University of Jena have developed a method to functionalise graphene without interference, allowing for ultrasensitive detection of biomarkers. This breakthrough enables rapid, cost-effective diagnostics using graphene-based field-effect transistors.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2024

New device to ID biomarkers of breastfeeding complications developed by UMass Amherst-led team

A UMass Amherst-led team has developed a sensor to detect sodium ions in breastmilk, a biomarker of elevated mammary permeability and potential milk supply issues. The device provides highly sensitive readings inexpensively and quickly, with results delivered in three minutes and costs just $1 per test.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalSensors and Actuators·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2024