Northwestern University researchers have developed the first device that measures gases emitted from and absorbed by the skin, offering a new method to assess skin health without direct contact. The small device contains sensors that measure changes in temperature, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compounds within a chamber that hovers a few millimeteres above the skin. This technology can monitor wounds, detect skin infections, track hydration levels, and quantify exposure to harmful environmental chemicals, with potential applications for vulnerable populations including newborns, elderly people, and diabetes patients. The device sends data via Bluetooth to smartphones or tablets for real-time monitoring, helping healthcare workers make more informed decisions about wound management and antibiotic administration. Beyond medical applications, the technology could help evaluate the efficacy of bug repellents, skin creams, and medications designed to improve skin health.
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