A sensor that attaches to the teeth will connect wirelessly to a mobile device and will send data on the glucose, salt, and alcohol intake. This wireless sensor will track what you eat, allowing you to monitor, in real-time, how much sugar, alcohol, or salt you eat. This device was developed by the scientists from the Faculty of Engineering at Tufts University, in the US, and could have great importance in both personal/professional healthcare and clinical research.
A consequent research revealed that this new device represents just the start for future similar devices which will be able to record data about more other substances and nutrients from foods and beverages, as well as of the physiological states.
“In theory, we can modify the bioreactive layer in these sensors to target other chemicals, we are only limited by our creativity,” says one of the study’s authors.
This medical gadget is small adaptable and send the data wirelessly
Older portable devices for measuring dietary intake were presenting a whole bunch of disadvantages, including the need for mounting a mouth guard and the multitude of wires. Besides, the sensors were degrading at an accelerated pace and needed frequent replacements.
The researchers needed a much easier-to-use device and they designed this sensor which is only 2mm X 2mm in size and is made of a flexible material that makes it easier to be attached to the surface of a tooth.
Even more, the sensor transmits the data wirelessly.
“We have extended the common radiofrequency identification (RFID) technology to a package of sensors that can dynamically read and transmit information about the environment, whether attached to a tooth, skin or any other surface,” explained Frank C. Double, a professor of engineering at the same Tufts University.
The sensor can be attached to a tooth and will track how much glucose, salt, or alcohol you eat and will wirelessly send the reading to your smartphone.
