Activity Trackers from Biodegradable Materials
Scientists developed new activity sensors that use natural elements.
University of Sussex researchers have developed sensors that can be used in activity trackers and health monitoring devices that are made from natural ingredients like seaweed, rock salt and water, combined with graphene—a crystalline form of carbon. Principal scientist, Conor Boland, PhD, materials physics lecturer in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, says, “One of the most exciting aspects to this development is that we have a sensor that is both fully biodegradable and highly effective. The mass production of unsustainable rubber and plastic based health technology could, ironically, pose a risk to human health through microplastics leeching into water sources as they degrade.”
As a proof of concept, researchers created a seaweed-based film, then when soaked in salt water, created an electrically conductive hydrogel. This hydrogel can be used in sensors to replace polymers that are typically used in activity trackers and devices that monitor heart rate and temperature. The findings are reported in the journal, ACS Sustainable Chemical Engineering (2023; doi: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c06101).
See also: Walking With Wearable Activity Trackers
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA
Shirley Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.
