August 16, 2026
Imagine a world where you could learn if you had a concerning health condition or monitor your health during exercise in real-time. What if we could sew a flexible patch into your clothing to analyze your sweat? The future has arrived: Engineers at Tufts University (USA) have created the first patch of this type.
Engineers detect health markers in wearable sweat sensors.
Imagine a world where you could learn if you had a concerning health condition or monitor your health during exercise in real-time. What if we could sew a flexible patch into your clothing to analyze your sweat? The future has arrived: Engineers at Tufts University (USA) have created the first patch of this type.
The scientists explain that the device is composed of “special sensing threads, electronic components, and wireless connectivity for real-time data acquisition, storage, and processing.”
The creators have gone beyond the typical measurements of the number of steps taken, or heart rate. Entering the metabolic world, they are trying to get a direct indicator of our health, allowing for a better understanding of athletic performance, chronic health conditions, as yet undiagnosed diseases, and more.
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The patch measures, in real-time, biomarkers in the subject’s sweat. These elements include:
- sodium
- ammonium ions (electrolytes)
- lactate (a breakdown product or metabolite)
- acidity (pH)
