iPhones Can Read Tattoo Ink For Medical Info

An anonymous reader writes "Researchers at Northeastern University have modified an iPhone to take readings from a special fluorescing nanoparticle tattoo ink, which can then measure sodium and glucose levels in the blood."

Comments

Not Iphone

[Anonymous Coward]

The Iphone doesn't actually do any of the work. The ink senses the chemical levels, and the LED's and filters read it off the ink. The only work being done is by the camera, which isn't really unique to the iphone.

Even without the iPhone, this is really cool

[Dynedain]

This is a really cool idea.

The iPhone part is a bit of a sensationalist gimmick, but it is a quick and dirty development environment for handheld image capture and processing. Just add the LED array for the specific light frequencies needed.

The real story I think is the specialized ink tattoos that can change based on the presence (or lack thereof) of certain chemicals in the bloodstream. While it sounds like a fairly permanent solution, it could be a real blessing for long-term patients that need frequent blood tests. Gives healthcare professionals, as well as the patient, an easy way to monitor conditions without having to draw blood.

Re:Even without the iPhone, this is really cool

[click2005]

It they can do that why cant they do something more useful like make the change visual. Tattoo goes red you're in trouble with no need to keep
taking pictures of your arm every time. As simple as checking your watch.