New iPhone Hack Tracks Sodium And Glucose

The iPhone takes another step toward improving health awareness as researchers led by Heather Clark from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Northeastern University present a remarkable innovation. Using a modified iPhone and a flourescent nanosensor tattoo, people may soon be able to track their sodium and blood oxygen levels to reduce the risk of dehydration.

The tattoo ink, infused with polymer nanodroplets, sensor molecules, and a charge-neutralizing molecule, is first injected into the human skin. When exposed to a large molecule, such as glucose or sodium, the tattoo will begin to fluoresce. The modified iPhone then tracks changes in the level of fluorescence, which indicates the amount of sodium or glucose present.

While much has yet to be explored in nanotechnology and its potential benefits, Clark and her team’s efforts may prove to be a crucial movement towards exploring what the iPhone and all the new technology it has inspired, can do to save lives.

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Northeastern University