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New technology gives people a better sense of what they’re breathing

Scientists developed a miniaturized micro-spectrometer to detect multiple toxic and greenhouse gases, offering increased control over individual exposure. The technology uses machine learning and metasurface spectral filter arrays to create a compact sensor that can be integrated into wearable devices.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2024

Unraveling the physics of knitting

Researchers have developed a mathematical theory of knitted materials, enabling the creation of programmable textiles with adjustable elasticity. The study, led by Georgia Tech physicists, explores the relationships between yarn manipulation, stitch patterns, and fabric behavior to expand knitting's applications beyond clothing.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024

Wearable ultrasound patch enables continuous, non-invasive monitoring of cerebral blood flow

Researchers developed a wearable ultrasound patch that provides three-dimensional data on cerebral blood flow, addressing clinical standard limitations. The device offers hands-free, continuous monitoring and was tested on healthy volunteers with accurate results, paving the way for potential use in patients with neurological conditions.

Should your exercise goals be in minutes or steps? Study suggests they are equally beneficial

A study of 14,399 women found that both step-based and time-based exercise targets were associated with lower risks of early death and cardiovascular disease. The research suggests that individuals should choose a goal aligned with their personal preferences rather than focusing on specific metrics.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2024

Bluetooth tracking devices provide new look into care home quality

A new study using wearable Bluetooth devices found that staff members dominated social interactions in four UK care homes, with residents having limited social contact. The findings suggest that wearable technology can be used to improve quality of care by reducing isolation and increasing interaction between staff and residents.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 2024

COVID-19 pandemic changed attitudes toward wearables

A new Northwestern University study found that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased interest in wearable health-monitoring devices among low-income Hispanic and Latine adults. Despite growing interest, several barriers remain, including lack of affordability, accessibility, and usability, which prevent these groups from adopti...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeSurvey·DateMay 8, 2024

Study uses wearable devices to examine 3- to 6-year-olds’ impulsivity, inattentiveness

Researchers used wearable devices to study the behavior of 3- to 6-year-olds, finding that they modulated their behavior across the school day and self-regulation declined over time. The study suggests that tools like wearable technology can help parents and teachers identify impulsive and inattentive behaviors and develop strategies t...

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2024

Rubber-like stretchable energy storage device fabricated with laser precision

Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology have fabricated a small-scale energy storage device that can stretch, twist, fold, and wrinkle. The device features fine patterning of liquid metal electrodes using laser ablation, allowing it to maintain its energy storage performance under repeated mechanical deformations.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·DateApr 24, 2024

NC State researchers use machine learning to create a fabric-based touch sensor

Researchers at NC State University developed a fabric-based touch sensor that can control electronic devices through touch, utilizing machine learning algorithms to improve accuracy. The device, integrated into clothing, activates and controls functions like mobile apps, passwords, and video games with gestures on the sensor.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalDevice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 17, 2024

Stretchable quantum dot display

Researchers from the Institute for Basic Science created QLEDs using a ternary nanocomposite film that enhances carrier delivery to quantum dots, resulting in optimal device performance. The devices exhibit high brightness and low threshold voltage, with no damage when stretched up to 1.5 times.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2024

Super permeable wearable electronics developed for stable, long-term biosignal monitoring by scientists at City University of Hong Kong

Researchers create universal method for creating wearable electronics with increased sweat permeability, enabling reliable long-term monitoring of biosignals. The device allows for continuous and stable monitoring of vital signs without signal disruption from perspiration.

A solar cell you can bend and soak in water

Researchers have developed an organic photovoltaic film that is both waterproof and flexible, enabling a solar cell to be used on clothes without compromising performance. The breakthrough film retained up to 96% of its initial performance after being submerged in water or stretched beyond its limit.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2024

Continuous non-invasive glucose sensing on the horizon with the development of a new optical sensor.

Researchers have developed a miniaturized optical sensor that can detect glucose levels in human blood plasma with comparable sensitivity to laboratory-based sensors. The device operates wirelessly using a coin battery and has demonstrated its viability in detecting glucose levels between 50-400mg/dL.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalAdvanced Sensor Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2024

Study tracks shifts in student mental health during college

A four-year study by Dartmouth researchers tracks changes in student mental health during college, identifying key populations and stressors. The study found that first-year and female students are at risk for high anxiety and low self-esteem, while sophomores experience increased social activity but higher stress levels.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies·TypeObservational study·DateMar 13, 2024

Research exposes security, privacy and safety issues in female technology apps used to track fertility, menopause and monthly cycle

Research highlights significant security, privacy and safety issues in female-oriented technologies, including period-tracker apps and fertility smart devices. The study found inadequate regulations and industry practices in data collection and sharing, posing a potential threat to users' sensitive information.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalFrontiers in the Internet of Things·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2024

Espresso yourself: Wearable tech measures emotional responses to coffee

Researchers have demonstrated the feasibility of using wearable technology to measure the emotional responses of coffee experts during tastings. The study found significant correlations between biomedical signals and data from conventional questionnaires, confirming the viability of this approach for enhancing coffee quality assessment.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateMar 6, 2024

Daily step count of 9,000 to 10,000 may counteract risk of death and cardiovascular disease in highly sedentary people

A study found that increasing daily step count can counteract the health consequences of too much sedentary time. The optimal number of steps per day to achieve this benefit was between 9,000 to 10,000 steps/day, which lowered mortality risk by 39% and incident CVD risk by 21%.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2024

Wearable sticker turns hand movements into communication

Researchers developed a wearable sticker that can detect subtle hand movements, enabling individuals with disabilities to communicate more easily. The sensors show high sensitivity and accuracy in recognizing gestures and translating them into words or commands.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateFeb 27, 2024

World’s first real-time wearable human emotion recognition technology developed!

A groundbreaking technology recognizes human emotions in real time, combining verbal and non-verbal expression data for accurate emotional information extraction. The system features a personalized skin-integrated facial interface that enables self-powered, flexible, and transparent emotion recognition.

PSEP: an innovative wearable device for fashionable personal thermal comfort

Researchers develop PSEP, a compact and silent wearable thermal control device that offers real-time flow-rate monitoring and self-sensing capability. The device can adjust temperatures by up to 3°C, enhancing personal comfort and features an intuitive smartphone interface for seamless wireless control.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2024

New study finds “sweet spot” for length of yarn-shaped supercapacitors

Researchers at North Carolina State University found that yarn-shaped supercapacitors (YSCs) in the 40-60 centimeter range provide the best overall energy output. The study, which aimed to explain changes in YSC performance across a wide range of lengths, used mathematical models to determine the most efficient length for YSCs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Power Sources·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

KAIST research team develops sweat-resistant wearable robot sensor

A KAIST research team has developed a stretchable and adhesive microneedle sensor that can detect physiological signals without being affected by sweat and dead skin. The sensor allows for long-term stable control of wearable robots, enabling precise movement recognition for rehabilitation treatments.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 30, 2024

‘Smart glove’ can boost hand mobility of stroke patients

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking 'smart glove' that can track and analyze hand movements with high accuracy, helping stroke patients recover and regain mobility. The wearable device uses machine learning models to detect finger joints and grasping forces, providing valuable insights for personalized exercise programs.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 15, 2024