UC San Diego smart ring tracks sweat biomarkers in new study
Engineers at UC San Diego describe, in the journal Nature Communications, a ring that continuously monitors up to four chemical markers in finger sweat, such as glucose and ketones. The work is laboratory-based and its results are preliminary.
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What the research shows
The article in Nature Communications, by engineers at the University of California San Diego, reports a smart ring able to continuously track up to four chemical biomarkers in finger sweat, including glucose and ketones. According to the publication, the work described is the laboratory work reported, with no other tests. The approach is non-invasive, meaning it does not require a blood sample.
Measuring substances in sweat could add molecular health information that current wearable rings do not capture, since those devices usually record signals such as heart rate and sleep. Still, laboratory results do not show how the device would perform in everyday use with people, how accurate it would be, or for how long. Glucose and ketone measurements have specific clinical uses that depend on scientific validation and professional guidance.
What it means
The research suggests wearable sensors may one day measure chemical markers in sweat without needles. It is not yet known whether the readings are accurate in people under real-world conditions, or whether they could guide health decisions.
How to read it with care
A laboratory study of a prototype does not replace a medical consultation. Anyone considering a change in diet, supplements or treatment should talk to a doctor or another qualified health professional.