Now, smart clothes that can monitor your health

Image
Press Trust of India Toronto
Last Updated : Dec 04 2014 | 1:41 PM IST
Your clothes may soon monitor your glucose levels, heart rhythm and brain activity and send this crucial information to a doctor for quick analysis!
Scientists have developed new smart textiles that monitor and transmit wearers' biomedical information via wireless or cellular networks.
The research at the Laval University in Quebec clears a path for a host of new developments for people suffering from chronic diseases, elderly people living alone, and even firemen and police officers.
A team under the supervision of Professor Younes Messaddeq created the smart fabric by successfully superimposing multiple layers of copper, polymers, glass, and silver.
"The fibre acts as both sensor and antenna. It is durable but malleable, and can be woven with wool or cotton. And signal quality is comparable to commercial antennas," said Messaddeq, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Photonic Innovations.
The surface of the fibre can also be adjusted to monitor a range of information such as glucose levels, heart rhythm, brain activity, movements, and spatial coordinates.
A patent application has already been filed, though certain elements still need to be fine-tuned before the innovation is ready for commercialisation, researchers said.
"Of course, the technology will have to be connected to a wireless network, and there is the issue of power supply to be solved," said Messaddeq.
"We have tested a number of solutions, and the results are promising. We will also have to make sure the fabric is robust, and can stand up to chemicals found in laundry detergent," Messaddeq added.
The research was published in the journal Sensors.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Dec 04 2014 | 1:41 PM IST

Next Story