Skin Patch Uses Sweat to Analyze Health

Category: Technology/Innovations

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. hydration / ˈhaɪˌdreɪʃən / (n) – the quality of having enough water in one’s body
    Example:

    Athletes always need adequate hydration during competitions.


  2. diagnosis / ˌdajəgˈnoʊsəs / (n) – the process of identifying one’s disease
    Example:

    The doctor needs a blood sample to make a correct diagnosis.


  3. noninvasive / ˌnɑːnɪnˈveɪsɪv / (adj) – without cutting the skin to enter the body
    Example:

    German doctors invented a noninvasive way of doing heart surgery


  4. keep tabs on (something) / kiːp tæbs ɑːn / (idiom) – to monitor or observe something carefully
    Example:

    He is diabetic, so he keeps tabs on his blood sugar level.


  5. pave the way / peɪv ðə weɪ / (idiom) – to make something achievable
    Example:

    New technology has paved the way for medical procedures to be comfortable for children.


Article

Read the text below.

Researchers from Northwestern University in Illinois developed a skin patch that uses sweat to monitor health conditions.


The patch is a wearable device that has the size and shape of a dollar coin. It collects sweat through holes on its underside. Sensors inside the patch analyze chemicals, like glucose or sugar, and biological signs, like hydration levels and sweat acidity. The patch then wirelessly transmits its diagnosis to a smartphone.


Many similar devices have been developed before, but the patch is considered an improvement. Other health trackers are large, bulky, and battery-operated. The patch, on the other hand, is light, comfortable, and battery-free. In addition, it is waterproof, which means swimmers can wear it to monitor their performance.


Currently, a diagnosis also requires drawing blood using a needle, but using the patch can make it noninvasive.


Even though the patch is an improved health tracker, it still cannot be used to diagnose every health issue since it relies only on sweat. The patch was primarily made for athletes and people who keep tabs on their fitness and health. Nonetheless, the researchers are planning to expand its use into medical applications.


In fact, the researchers are currently testing the technology at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. The patches are used to examine the condition of patients with cystic fibrosis [SIS-tik fahy-BROH-sis], a rare lung disorder that manifests in chloride concentrations found in sweat.


The researchers are hopeful that the device could pave the way for noninvasive methods in diagnosing diseases in the future.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Do you think the device would be popular in your country? Why or why not?
• If you could further develop the patch, what improvements would you make? Explain.

Discussion B

• What uncomfortable medical procedure (e.g. blood test) do you want to solve using technology? Explain.
• Do you think medical innovations will eventually replace healthcare providers like doctors? Why or why not?