Japanese Researchers Invent Micro-Sensor for Detection of Dehydration in Real-Time

Japanese researchers from the Universities of Tokyo and Kyushu have devised an ultra-compact blood flow sensor which could determine measurements even when the person is moving.

Till date, blood-flow sensors usually weigh 2 to 3 kg and require a 100 V power supply. However, this sensor is a wireless and low power consuming version which is ultra-compact. The sensors could also detect dehydration in a runner and also be used for preventative medicine, health monitoring and alcohol monitoring. It is possible to determine real-time dehydration in a runner.

Plans are also on for making the sensor even smaller and a prototype is now available for being used in chickens. The researchers have mentioned that when the chickens suffer from bird flu, the blood flow slows down to a great extent and the circulation becomes extremely sluggish. This makes it very difficult to take blood samples from them. They want to build the sensor to fit in the ear or be worn on a finger. This sensor would also measure blood pressure.