How a new wearable sensor can track your health — without even touching your skin

New York Post - Apr 12th, 2025

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a groundbreaking contactless wearable device that monitors health by measuring gases emitted and absorbed by the skin. This innovative gadget, led by Dr. Guillermo A. Ameer and Dr. John Rogers, is tiny and can gather data without touching the skin, providing insights into wound healing, hydration, and early infection signs. It is particularly beneficial for vulnerable populations, like newborns and the elderly, and people with compromised skin.

The device represents a significant advancement in personalized healthcare, as it allows for real-time monitoring via smartphones, enabling quicker and more informed treatment decisions. This technology has the potential to improve clinical care by detecting infections early, aiding in the effectiveness of various skin care products, and enhancing the safety of cosmetics. Future developments aim to include sensors for monitoring pH levels and detecting early signs of diseases, thus paving the way for non-invasive continuous health tracking.

Real Time Data Northwestern University Contactless Wearable Dr. Guillermo A. Ameer Dr. John Rogers Skin Health Monitoring Volatile Organic Compounds Wound Healing

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively communicates the development and potential impact of a new wearable device from Northwestern University that monitors gases emitted by the skin. It scores highly in terms of accuracy, clarity, and public interest, providing a well-rounded and informative overview of the technology. The inclusion of expert quotes adds credibility, although additional independent sources could enhance source quality. While the article is timely and relevant, it could benefit from addressing potential limitations and ethical considerations to provide a more balanced and comprehensive perspective. Overall, the story successfully highlights an innovative advancement in health technology, with the potential to influence future discussions and developments in the field.

Accuracy

The story provides a comprehensive overview of a new wearable device developed by Northwestern University researchers. The device's ability to measure gases emitted and absorbed by the skin without direct contact is accurately described. The claims about the device's potential to transform clinical care for vulnerable populations and its application in monitoring wound healing, hydration levels, and exposure to toxic chemicals are supported by similar details found in reputable sources. However, the story could benefit from additional citations or references to peer-reviewed studies for further verification of these claims.

Balance

The article presents a well-rounded view of the new technology, discussing its potential benefits for various populations, including newborns, the elderly, and workers in hazardous environments. It highlights both the immediate applications and future enhancements of the device. However, the story primarily focuses on the positive aspects and potential benefits, with little discussion of any potential limitations or challenges in implementing such technology, which could provide a more balanced perspective.

Clarity

The language used in the article is clear and accessible, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the device's development, capabilities, and potential applications. The tone is neutral and informative, making the content easy to understand for a general audience. However, the inclusion of more technical details or scientific jargon could challenge readers without a background in biomedical engineering.

Source quality

The article quotes experts like Dr. Guillermo A. Ameer and Dr. John Rogers, adding credibility to the claims. These sources are authoritative, given their affiliations with Northwestern University and their roles in the study. However, the article would benefit from additional sources or independent expert opinions to corroborate the claims made, which would enhance the credibility and reliability of the information presented.

Transparency

The article provides clear explanations of the device's functionality and potential applications. However, it lacks detailed information about the research methodology, such as the sample size, study duration, or specific results from trials, which would offer greater transparency. Additionally, there is no mention of any potential conflicts of interest, such as funding sources for the research, which could impact the perceived impartiality of the findings.