Applied Technology Review : News

A wearable smart sensor patch integrating edge computing provides real-time health monitoring, tracks vital signs and detects symptoms, paving the way for personalised and privacy-focused healthcare solutions. A newly developed smart sensor patch by researchers from Hokkaido University and The University of Tokyo transforms wearable health technology. Using edge computing to monitor health symptoms in real time, this wearable device tracks vital signs such as cardiac activity, skin temperature, respiration and perspiration, offering continuous health monitoring. Integrated with smartphones via Bluetooth, it detects conditions like arrhythmia, coughs and falls with over 80% predictive accuracy. The team first tested the patch on three volunteers to monitor vital signs at temperatures ranging from 22°C to over 29°C. They observed physiological changes during high-temperature monitoring, which could eventually help identify early-stage heat stress. The system’s edge computing application ensures that the data is processed locally on smartphones, making it particularly useful in remote or resource-limited environments. The sensor patch’s integration of edge computing allows for real-time data processing, reducing reliance on internet connectivity and enabling immediate feedback. This approach enhances the speed and efficiency of symptom detection and decision-making. As the device continues to evolve, its ability to offer more personalised, timely healthcare interventions could revolutionise how patients manage their health. This bright sensor patch could play a crucial role in preventive healthcare by providing early detection of health anomalies before they become critical. The patch’s real-time ability to track symptoms can improve chronic disease management and telemedicine applications. Patients can now have continuous monitoring in the comfort of their homes, which could lead to better outcomes and reduce healthcare costs associated with emergency treatments. While the current system requires initial machine learning model training on a computer, the research team is focused on refining the technology for complete on-device training. The goal is to streamline the process, allowing data to be processed directly on the device, significantly improving efficiency and reducing dependency on external computing resources. In addition, simplifying the data processing and enhancing the user interface are key priorities for future iterations. These improvements will make the sensor patch even more accessible and practical, empowering individuals with real-time health monitoring and boosting its utility in proactive healthcare management. The smart sensor patch offers real-time, precise health monitoring directly through a smartphone; this breakthrough technology is set to transform healthcare. It reduces reliance on cloud-based infrastructure and addresses privacy concerns with remote data processing, paving the way for more personalised healthcare solutions. ...Read more

Using quantum sensors, Penn engineers transformed NQR spectroscopy, allowing for atomic-level accuracy to reveal molecular features and promoting molecular diagnostics, drug discovery and protein research. A quantum breakthrough has been made by the engineers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science who have transformed nuclear quadrupolar resonance (NQR) spectroscopy by using quantum sensors to detect signals from individual atoms. This breakthrough, which was detailed in Nano Letters, opens the door to transform uses in molecular diagnostics, protein research and drug development, thereby setting a new era of scientific innovation. Conventional spectroscopic techniques obscure minute differences between individual molecules by using signals averaged from trillions of atoms. These restrictions impeded progress in areas such as protein studies, where minute structural variations determine function and differentiate between health and illness. This obstacle is removed by the new scientific method, providing unmatched accuracy for investigating molecule interactions at the atomic level. According to Lee Bassett, Associate Professor of Electrical and Systems Engineering and Director of Penn's Quantum Engineering Laboratory (QEL), this technique allows to isolate individual nuclei and reveal tiny differences in what were thought to be identical molecules. Molecular details that were previously hidden by concentrating on a single nucleus can be revealed, opening up a whole new scale for studying nature's building blocks. This new unexpected discovery was made during routine research which was examined by Alex Breitweiser, a recent physics doctorate graduate from Penn's School of Arts& Sciences and current IBM researcher. It involved diamonds' nitrogen-vacancy (NV) which are atomic-scale flaws frequently employed in quantum sensing when Dr. Breitweiser found an unusual pattern in the data. Although they appeared to be an experimental artifact, the periodic signals continued even after thorough investigation. Thanks to technological advancements, Breitweiser’s team was able to identify impacts that were previously impossible to detect using scientific tools, entering into a new regime of physics. The technique was improved through cooperation with Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, which combined knowledge of experimental physics, theoretical modeling and quantum sensing. The team was able to develop a technique that can record individual atomic impulses with remarkably high accuracy. According to Mathieu Ouellet, a recent ESE PhD graduate, this approach displays the distinct characteristics of each nucleus, whereas traditional NQR provides averages. The future holds great promise for addressing scientific problems in domains such as molecular biology and medication development. Penn Engineering's invention has transformed millions of perceptions of the natural world and hasten developments in materials science, health and other fields by revealing hidden molecular mechanisms. ...Read more

London : The London Climate Technology Show 2024 is just 7 days away, as industry experts, business leaders, and influential decision-makers converge at ExCel London to chart the course towards a net-zero future. Building on two years of remarkable success, the third edition of #CTS offers the ultimate networking platform for governments, organisations, and individuals to explore innovative sustainability solutions, tackle the climate crisis, and gain valuable insights into green tech advancements. Attendees can expect deep insights into decarbonisation strategies and transformative ideas that are accelerating the global transition to a net-zero world. The show features an insightful conference, where 80+ renowned speakers are set to address some critical themes: achieving Net Zero and overall sustainability, innovations in AgriTech, the evolving landscape of carbon markets, and advances in climate tech. Among the distinguished speakers who will be contributing their expertise on these pivotal topics are: ● James Lockyer - Director, Climate Innovation Fund, Microsoft ● Mark Campanale - Founder & Executive Director, Carbon Tracker ● Laura Sandys - Chair, Green Alliance ● Guy Newey - CEO, Energy Systems Catapult ● Olivia Powis - UK Director, Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA) ● Doug Parr - Chief Scientist and Policy Director, Greenpeace UK ● Robert Trezona - Founding Partner, Kiko Ventures ● Fredrick Royan - Global Practice Area Leader, Sustainability and Circular Economy, Frost & Sullivan ● Dr. Stefan Kaufmann - Member of the Bundestag, German Bundestag ●  Click here to check all speakers The event also features a diverse range of exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge solutions and innovations across sustainability and climate technologies. Among the exhibitors are Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) companies like CGI and Terra CO2 Technology; Carbon Management & Accounting companies like Greenly and Gaia Carbon Accounting; Carbon Offsetting and Trading companies like Carbonsafe and Carbon Asset Solutions (CAS); Emerging Climate Technologies like Nabla Flow and Luna 9; Artificial Intelligence and Data-Driven Solution providers like Immtell and Electryone AI; Sustainable Energy Solutions like Asuene, Applied Works, Carbon Reduction Technologies like Freeze Carbon and Coomtech, and many more. Click to explore the entire list. With thousands of industry professionals convened under one-roof, #CTS24 offers an opportunity for exhibitors to meet business partners in a highly engaging conducive environment. Complementing the main program, #CTS24 also hosts engaging side events such as Startup Acceleration Programs, workshops, etc fostering further opportunities for learning and collaboration and enhancing understanding of key issues and trends. This initiative aims to provide vital support for sustainable endeavours, thereby accelerating the adoption of eco-friendly technologies and practices. Join us for this year’s most exciting netzero event and explore what is on offer to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change. Click Here To Register. In case of any queries, you can contact us at: press@valiantandcompany.com ...Read more