New "Sunwatch" detects harmful ultraviolet rays in real-time
Image: a prototype of the wearable device. Image supplied.
Researchers at Macquarie University have integrated an advanced nanosensor into a wearable device to measure the skin’s exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays in real-time.
The wearable device is connected to a tailor-made smartphone app that allows users to choose a skin type and receive alerts when at the risk of overexposure.
Senior Lecturer and Head of NanoTech Lab at Macquarie University Dr Noushin Nasiri said the device is a game-changer for people living in countries such as Australia where skin cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases.
“Australia has the highest mortality rate associated with Melanoma in the world,” said Dr Nasiri.
“If people have an accurate and real time measurement of how much UV is absorbed by their skin when outdoors, then we may be able to lower the rates of skin cancer in our country.”
Dr Nasiri said what sets the device apart from the commonly used smart devices available in the market is its ability to report on the actual UV absorbed by the user’s skin and based on the user’s skin type.
“Smart wearable devices available in the market simply report on the UV index based on the user’s location through weather forecast websites,” Dr Nasiri said.
Senior Lecturer and NSSN Ambassador at Macquarie University, Dr Noushin Nasiri.
The compact wearable device is made of a nanosensor, a screen, a microcontroller, Bluetooth technology, an amplifier and rechargeable batteries.
The nanosensor, developed at Dr Nasiri’s lab, is responsible for the real-time monitoring of harmful ultraviolet rays absorbed by the user’s skin.
The data gathered by the sensor is then transmitted to the app, where it is configured based on the selected skin type and turned into a format that is easily understandable by the user.
Dr Nasiri said the technology has been tested and validated outside of the laboratory and is ready to be scaled and commercialised.
“We would like to collaborate with industry partners who work on smart devices such as smartphones and smartwatches, or collaborate with businesses that work on smart clothes,” Dr Nasiri said.
“The goal is to integrate the technology on swimming suits so people can stay sun safe while relaxing on the beach or surfing in the ocean.”
Dr Nasiri said the technology could be customised to be used in different settings and the sensing component can be tailored to the requirements of different industries, such as construction and mining. For instance, the device could be placed on safety helmets and could incorporate an array of sensors to monitor not only the UV index, but a range of environmental factors such as oxygen levels, temperature, humidity, pollen count and air quality.
“We welcome opportunities to expand our current research to other areas of sensing and expand our system to one that is capable of conducting several measurements at a time,” Dr Nasiri said.
Media: Shahrzad Abbasi
M: 0466 548 145
E: Shahrzad.abbasi@nssn.org.au
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