Scientists create a sensor to record light exposure

THE SENSORS CAN DETECT SEVERAL KINDS OF RADIATION. (S.Y. HEO ET. AL / SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE)

Scientists have created miniature, flexible sensors designed to track a person’s sun exposure in real time. The sensors stick onto the skin and can relay information about light exposure wirelessly to a smartphone. Volunteers sported the sensors while walking, swimming, and having other kinds of fun in the sun for four days, and the devices were able to record UVA radiation exposure. The researchers are hopeful the devices could also one day be used to measure exposure on light therapy, like the blue light that’s used to treat babies with jaundice. The sensors also successfully measured light exposure in a test on babies being treated for the condition.