THE ESSENTIAL
- A patch can measure the frequency of breathing, the intensity of coughing and body temperature
- Placed on the throat, it identifies the first signs of Covid-19
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What if a so-called “smart” patch allows people to detect Covid-19 symptoms as soon as they appear by controlling their breathing?
This type of device was developed by American scientists at Northwestern University and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Research Hospital in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Chicago). Researchers have developed “a set of data algorithms specifically designed to detect the first signs and symptoms associated with Covid-19 and to track patients as they go,” said a statement on the University of Northwestern website. as the disease progresses. “
Rechargeable once a day and able to be worn every day, the device is placed on the wearer’s throat and allows to measure in real time criteria such as the breathing frequency, the intensity of the cough or the appearance of fever.
More effective surveillance
The data recorded by the device is then transmitted and updated via an application which will analyze the possible presence of respiratory abnormality. The patch would also be able to determine whether or not these signs can be linked to a Covid-19 infection.
“Filling a lack of essential data, it constantly measures and interprets cough and respiratory activity in a way that is impossible with traditional surveillance systems,” specify the scientists behind the project.
Currently, about 25 people have started using the devices two weeks ago. They are monitored both in the clinic and at home, totaling more than 1,500 cumulative hours and generating more than one terabyte of data.
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