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CityU awarded invention: Soft, ultrathin photonic material cools down wearable electronic devices

A research team at CityU developed a multifunctional composite polymer coating with both radiative and non-radiative cooling capacity, enhancing heat dissipation in wearable electronics. The cooling interface achieved temperature drops of over 56°C, improving the performance of skin electronic devices.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2023

Wearable monitor detects stress hormone levels across a full 24-hour day

A new wearable device can track adrenal steroid levels in real-time, providing insights into hormonal rhythms and revolutionizing endocrine disease diagnosis. The U-RHYTHM technology offers a more accurate picture of hormone balance than traditional tests taken at one point, enabling earlier treatment interventions.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2023

Wearable activity trackers accelerate hospital patient recovery

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that wearable activity trackers improve patient activity, reduce sedentary behavior, and enhance physical function, supporting faster recovery in hospitalized adults. The study examined 15 studies with a combined total of 1911 patients and found significant improvements in clinical outcomes.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 15, 2023

Liquid metal sticks to surfaces without a binding agent

Scientists have developed a technique for applying liquid metal to surfaces that don't easily bond with it, using force-responsive adhesion. The method allows for the creation of electronic 'smart devices' from everyday materials like paper and plastic.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2023

New research suggests sleep wearables show promise in improving sleep health among marginalized populations

A study published in JMIR Formative Research found that wearable sleep devices show promise in positively impacting sleep health among marginalized populations. Participants perceived the device as easy to use and comfortable to wear, suggesting its potential for improved sleep health. However, barriers to adoption, such as housing sta...

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJMIR Formative Research·DateJun 6, 2023

Viral transmission in schools

A study on Chinese schoolchildren found that younger kids had higher close contact rates than older peers, with most face-to-face interactions occurring during breaks. The authors recommend a classroom ventilation rate to mitigate airborne transmission, suggesting improved ventilation can reduce COVID-19 risk.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMay 23, 2023

Braided current collectors

Researchers at Fudan University have developed braided current collectors that increase the energy density of fiber lithium-ion batteries. The new design improves ion transport within the electrode, increasing charge density and reducing obstruction to lithium ion transport.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2023

Researchers help AI express uncertainty to improve health monitoring tech

Researchers developed an AI algorithm that allows electronic devices to express uncertainty when faced with unexpected data, improving cough detection technology. The new approach enables more precise detection with fewer sound samples per second, reducing computing power and addressing privacy concerns.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 17, 2023

KAIST team develops highly-sensitive wearable piezoelectric blood pressure sensor for continuous health monitoring

A KAIST research team has developed a highly sensitive, wearable piezoelectric blood pressure sensor for continuous health monitoring. The sensor's accuracy meets international standards, with errors within ±5 mmHg and a standard deviation under 8 mmHg for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 17, 2023

Smart watches could predict higher risk of heart failure

A new study published in The European Heart Journal – Digital Health found that smart watch data can predict a higher risk of developing heart failure and irregular heart rhythms. Researchers used machine learning to analyze ECG recordings from wearable devices and identified extra beats as indicators of increased cardiovascular risk.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Digital Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2023

First wearable health sensor for monitoring muscle atrophy

Researchers developed the first wearable sensor for monitoring muscle atrophy, a condition typically caused by degenerative disease or aging. The sensor can measure small-scale volume changes in overall limb size and monitor muscle loss of up to 51%. This technology has the potential to create less burden on patients and improve treatm...

SourceOhio State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers develop a novel thermoelectric generator inspired from zebra skin

Researchers at GIST developed a novel thermoelectric generator inspired by zebra skin, creating a high in-plane temperature gradient for generating electricity. The design uses a pattern resembling black-and-white zebra stripes to increase its applicability while reducing environmental impact.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

New study shows how machine learning can improve care for people with Rett syndrome

A new study published in PLOS One demonstrates the potential of machine learning and artificial intelligence to aid in the development of new treatments for Rett syndrome. The researchers used a wearable electronic chest patch to monitor cardiac activity and movement, and developed an algorithm that identified patterns specific to seve...

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Smart necklace to help you stop smoking

A smart necklace called SmokeMon tracks a user's every puff and provides valuable insights into their smoking behavior. By analyzing heat signatures, the device can detect when a cigarette is being lit, how much smoke is inhaled, and when the person holds it to their mouth, helping to prevent relapse and improve quit rates.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies·DateFeb 13, 2023

Aston University researchers discover more accurate way of checking blood flow in type 2 diabetes patients

Researchers at Aston University have discovered a new approach to process LDF light signals, allowing for more precise measurement of blood flow in specific areas of the vascular bed. This innovation has shown significant improvement in diagnostic accuracy for detecting microvascular changes in patients with type 2 diabetes and age-spe...

SourceAston University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 8, 2023

Blood sugar monitoring devices pose wearability and use problems for older adults with diabetes and caregivers

Researchers found that continuous glucose monitors and wearable devices pose challenges for patients and caregivers, including issues with hardware, software, and device use. Nearly three-quarters of participants experienced low blood sugar levels, highlighting the need for improved technology to manage diabetes effectively.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalApplied Clinical Informatics·DateJan 26, 2023

Researchers demonstrate new sensors by creating novel health monitoring, machine interface devices

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a highly sensitive and stretchable strain sensor that can detect minor changes in strain with great range of motion. The sensor's innovative design features a patterned cut network that enables it to withstand significant deformation without sacrificing sensitivity.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2023

CityU scientists discover a novel photophysical mechanism that has achieved record-breaking efficiency for organic photovoltaics

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong developed a novel device-engineering strategy to suppress energy conversion loss in organic photovoltaics, achieving PCE over 19%. The discovery enables OPVs to maximize photocurrent and overcome the limit of maximum achievable efficiency.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022

Wearable electronics from starch to prevent e-waste

Researchers developed a biodegradable material that decomposes in weeks to months, replacing toxic metal components of electronic devices. The starch-based polymer uses natural enzymes and has the right properties for sensors, offering an alternative to complex polymers and reducing e-waste.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

Novel wearable belt with sensors accurately monitors heart failure 24/7

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University have developed a prototype of a novel wearable device that can continuously monitor physiological parameters associated with heart failure in real-time. The device uses sensors embedded in a lightweight belt to track thoracic impedance, electrocardiogram, heart rate, and motion activity, pro...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022

New mobile health technology for sleep apnea care to address individual patient needs

Researchers developed an app to track CPAP use, sleep patterns, and other health metrics to provide a new adherence metric that aligns therapy with individual need. This tool can help patients and providers deliver more effective sleep apnea treatment by tracking progress toward a personalized dose of therapy.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateDec 5, 2022

Soft robots make virtual reality gloves feel more real

Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science developed a new electrostatically controlled clutch that enables soft robotic hands to hold 4 pounds, 40 times more than before. The clutch uses a fracture-mechanics-based model to achieve this feat while requiring only 125 volts of electricity.