‘Tooth Tattoo’ Developed That Could Save Your Life
June 8th, 2012 - 9:41 pm ICT by Aishwarya BhattPrinceton, June 8 (THAINDIAN NEWS) A ‘tooth tattoo’ manufactured from silk strands and gold wires could be used by experts to detect serious diseases.
The small sensor sticks to dental enamel and is able to get data on chemicals contained in the individual’s breath and saliva. This information can enable health experts to detect virus and control the progress of a number of diseases generated by bacteria, including infections and ulcers.
The device does not require batteries, as the antenna coil is transmits the data signal, stated Michael McAlpine, leader of the team of researchers that have examined the device at US Princeton University.
The device is still a prototype, but experts believe that it could be used in the near futures to accurately control health. Even though the sensor is a very complex device, it can be applied to a tooth’s surface with water, in the same way as transfer tattoos are applied to human skin.
At the moment, the device is currently too big to fit onto a tooth. Researchers are currently working on reducing the sensor’s size and improving to make sure that it can withstand eating and brushing over prolonged periods of time.
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Tags: antenna, bacteria, batteries, chemicals, could save your life, dental enamel, diseases, futures, gold wires, health experts, human skin, mcalpine, princeton university, prolonged periods, prototype, saliva, silk, strands, transfer tattoos, ulcers