Skin implant that glows green may signal developing illness

Researchers from Tokyo City University and the University of Tokyo, with engineers from RIKEN and Canon Medical Systems, have created a living skin implant that tracks proteins linked to inflammation, stress or disease and lights up when abnormalities are detected; the device was trialled on mice and remained functional for over 200 days.

Researchers in Japan have created a living skin implant that lights up in green when it detects internal health abnormalities. The implant is designed to track proteins linked to inflammation, stress or disease and provide a constant visual signal on the skin. The team includes scientists from Tokyo City University and the University of Tokyo, with engineers from RIKEN and Canon Medical Systems. The device was trialled on mice and maintained sensing function in experiments lasting over 200 days. Key findings: - The implant tracks internal biomarkers — proteins associated with inflammation, stress or disease. - It is engineered as a living skin sensor that illuminates green when abnormalities are detected. - The project involves Tokyo City University, the University of Tokyo, RIKEN and Canon Medical Systems. - Sensor functionality was preserved for over 200 days as engineered stem cells regenerated the epidermis. - Trials reported in the article were conducted on mice. Summary: The research describes a biologically integrated skin sensor that could provide a continuous visual indication of internal health and that remained functional in mouse trials for more than 200 days. The authors suggest the approach could have applications beyond human healthcare, including animal research and veterinary medicine. Undetermined at this time.