It’s being called a major scientific breakthrough.
A new device could help reduce the risk of cot death as it will allow parents to monitor their child’s heart and breathing rates from their phones.
The wearable device was designed by physicists at the University of Sussex and will make use of graphene, the world’s first two-dimensional material.
The device will track even the smallest changes in the child’s breathing and pulse and will notify parents through their phone.
“Using the conducting liquid emulsions we have developed, we will produce cheap, wearable sensors based on graphene,” said Professor Alan Dalton of the new device.
“The devices will be comfortable, non-invasive and can provide intuitive diagnostics of breathing and heart rate. We will eventually have a suit that the baby can wear which will read out all vital information wirelessly.
“We hope to see this made available within two to four years.”
The new technology will allow people to monitor levels through a wearable band like a fitness tracker or could be incorporated into a sensor vest that a child could wear.
And the folks behind the development also say the innovation won’t come at a huge cost to potential customers.
“Graphene is very affordable as it can be produced using naturally-occurring graphite, so this could be rolled out on a big scale.
“This is good news for health services because the new technology will not be expensive to make and buy. It also means it should be affordable to individuals.”
