New "Sunwatch" detects harmful ultraviolet rays in real-time
Researchers at Macquarie University have integrated an advanced nanosensor into a wearable device to measure the skin’s exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays in real-time.
The wearable device is connected to a tailor-made smartphone app that allows users to choose a skin type and receive alerts when at the risk of overexposure.
Senior Lecturer and Head of NanoTech Lab at Macquarie University Dr Noushin Nasiri said the device is a game-changer for people living in countries such as Australia where skin cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases.
“Australia has the highest mortality rate associated with Melanoma in the world,” said Dr Nasiri.
“If people have an accurate and real time measurement of how much UV is absorbed by their skin when outdoors, then we may be able to lower the rates of skin cancer in our country.”
Dr Nasiri said what sets the device apart from the commonly used smart devices available in the market is its ability to report on the actual UV absorbed by the user’s skin and based on the user’s skin type.
“Smart wearable devices available in the market simply report on the UV index based on the user’s location through weather forecast websites,” Dr Nasiri said.