Phone sensor via skin tattoo

By designing polymer nanoparticles that contain a capture molecule, a charge neutralizing molecule and a fluorescent dye, researchers at Northeastern University have demonstrated the possibility of creating a sensor that could detect several substances-glucose, sodium, medications, illegal drugs, for example-in serum without taking a blood droplet. The nanoparticles are injected beneath the skin like a tattoo and are read by a special light filter attachment for an iPhone.  This piece doesn’t mention the effective duration or possible adverse reactions, but the idea of a painless and convenient way to frequently monitor diabetes, or optimal medication dosage is very attractive.  MORE

Image Credit:   Heather Clark and Matt Dubach and Technology Review