Wearable UV sensor to ping users out of the sun
Macquarie University researchers have developed an ultra-sensitive wearable device that can measure the skin’s exposure to ultraviolet rays in real time.
Dr Noushin Nasiri, Lecturer and Head of NanoTech Lab at Macquarie University, who has developed the device, said the commonly used smartwatches measure the UV index by detecting the user’s location and using the environmental data already available on the internet.
“Our sensor is a real time personalised device that is made for the user and can tell you the amount of UV absorbed by your skin today,” said Dr Nasiri.
The small device can easily slide onto watches and sunglasses, or woven into clothes and can ping the user’s smartphone once their skin is starting to become damaged.
Dr Noushin Nasiri in the lab at Macquarie University. Image supplied.
“The end user will have an app installed on their smartphone which can be calibrated and personalised based on their skin type,” said Dr Nasiri.
The sensor uses a small antenna to pair with smartphones via Bluetooth. The antenna was developed by Tasrif Noor, a student at Macquarie University who designed it as part of his thesis project.
“My prototype, connects with the sensor and takes the real time data and transfers it to the user’s [gadget],” said Mr Noor.
Dr Nasiri said the ultra-sensitive sensor measures the exact amount of UVA and UVB absorbed by the skin even on a cloudy day.
“While the body needs some level of UV exposure to produce Vitamin D, overexposure can damage the skin,” said Dr Nasiri.
“The sensing part can be as small as the tip of a needle,” Dr Nasiri said. “We can make these sensors at less than $20.”
Dr Noushin Nasiri, NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN) Ambassador at Macquarie University, is an expert in developing nano-structured materials with applications in health, energy and environment.
The NSSN is a consortium of eight leading universities across NSW and ACT including Macquarie University. Working with the NSSN simplifies the process of engaging with universities for industry and government partners by creating a single point-of-contact.
To enquire about how to collaborate with Dr Nasiri or for commercialisation enquiries, please contact NSSN MedTech RTL Jane Evans on jane.evans@nssn.org.au.
To learn more about Dr Nasiri’s work, please click here.
Media: Shahrzad Abbasi — 0466548145
Outside the lab, Dr Nasiri is a passionate science communicator who has spoken in high-profile events such as TEDx Sydney Salon, TEDx Macquarie University, TEDx Bligh Street and ABC Ockham’s Razor. Her eloquence and passion for science communication have been recognized with several awards including NSW Tall Poppy Award 2019, first prize in 2017 AMP Amplify Ignite, runner-up in the 2016 Famelab Australia Grand Final and the People’s Choice Award for the ANU 3MT Grand Final.