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New, collaborative research by scientists at MIT and
Northeastern University has resulted in a nanoparticle sensor device that could
be planted and anchored under the skin to monitor levels of glucose, salt, and
other targets in the blood.
The nanoparticles or "microworms" are narrow and tube-shaped,
so they'll anchor to their original location under the skin easier. Previous
tests had used spherical, chemical-filled nanoparticles that would continuously
wash away.
Potential applications for these sensors include use by
people with diabetes, who would be able to check their blood sugar by looking
at the area of skin where the microworm is.
Dexter Johnson of the IEEE Spectrum blog argues that
current, pin-prick blood sugar tests are fairly quick and painless. He wonders
if implantable sensors would really be an improvement to these existing
methods. What do you think?
Source: IEEE
Spectrum Blog
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Re: Microworms in Your Blood?
