emirates7 - A research team from the University of Texas at Austin has introduced a non-invasive wearable device that continuously monitors hydration levels in real time and wirelessly transmits the data to a smartphone.
"Dehydration is a widespread and often overlooked issue that impacts millions daily," said Professor Nanshu Lu, who led the study at UT Austin's Cockrell School of Engineering. "Our wearable sensor offers a simple and effective way to track hydration in real time, enabling people to take proactive steps to maintain their health and performance."
The device relies on bioimpedance technology, which involves sending a small, harmless electrical current through the body using strategically placed electrodes. The current flows more easily through well-hydrated tissue and encounters resistance in dehydrated tissue.
To test the sensor’s accuracy, researchers conducted various experiments, including one where participants took diuretics to induce dehydration. Their hydration status was tracked using the wearable and compared with urine samples. Results showed a strong link between changes in arm bioimpedance and overall body water loss. The study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The team emphasized that this new sensor could serve as a more practical and user-friendly alternative to conventional hydration assessments, such as urine or blood tests, which are often invasive and time-consuming.
Proper hydration plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature, supporting organ function, and sustaining numerous bodily processes. Even slight dehydration can hinder mental focus and physical performance, while more severe dehydration can lead to serious conditions such as heatstroke, kidney stones, and cardiovascular complications.
According to the researchers, the device could have wide-ranging applications, particularly for individuals with chronic dehydration, kidney or heart conditions. Athletes may also benefit from the sensor, especially when training or competing in hot environments.
"Dehydration is a widespread and often overlooked issue that impacts millions daily," said Professor Nanshu Lu, who led the study at UT Austin's Cockrell School of Engineering. "Our wearable sensor offers a simple and effective way to track hydration in real time, enabling people to take proactive steps to maintain their health and performance."
The device relies on bioimpedance technology, which involves sending a small, harmless electrical current through the body using strategically placed electrodes. The current flows more easily through well-hydrated tissue and encounters resistance in dehydrated tissue.
To test the sensor’s accuracy, researchers conducted various experiments, including one where participants took diuretics to induce dehydration. Their hydration status was tracked using the wearable and compared with urine samples. Results showed a strong link between changes in arm bioimpedance and overall body water loss. The study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The team emphasized that this new sensor could serve as a more practical and user-friendly alternative to conventional hydration assessments, such as urine or blood tests, which are often invasive and time-consuming.
Proper hydration plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature, supporting organ function, and sustaining numerous bodily processes. Even slight dehydration can hinder mental focus and physical performance, while more severe dehydration can lead to serious conditions such as heatstroke, kidney stones, and cardiovascular complications.
According to the researchers, the device could have wide-ranging applications, particularly for individuals with chronic dehydration, kidney or heart conditions. Athletes may also benefit from the sensor, especially when training or competing in hot environments.