Pearce 1

John
Dr. Hu
CHE 130

An Analysis of Wearable Device Analyzes Sweat to Monitor Users Health

The author, Stu Borman, introduces the article by presenting a research study focused
around testing a recent wearable device capable of detecting and analyzing sweat. The research
study involved 26 men and women volunteers who tested the device by vigorously exercising by
either peddling stationary bikes indoors or running outdoors. The wearable device was worn as
wristbands, armbands, and headbands and was designed to monitor skin temperature and
compounds found in sweat. The author compares the new device with other currently available
fitness tracking devices such as Fitbit. According to Borman, the new wearable extends beyond
current fitness trackers by possessing the ability to analyze multiple aspects of a persons health,
using the individuals sweat compounds, in order to provide early warning for dehydration,
muscle cramps, and inadequate glucose metabolism as a result of diabetes. The new wireless
device was developed by an electrical engineer, Ali Javey and coworkers, at the University of
California Berkeley. Broman explains, that the new wearable goes beyond previously developed
wearable sweat analysis systems by being able to monitor multiple analytics at any one time and
possesses onboard circuitry and calibration mechanisms capable of accurately analyzing the
individuals physiological state based on the processed data. According to the author, the device
works by combining a sensory array on a circuit board made of a flexible polyethylene
terephthalate substrate which enables the device to monitor user health continuously and in real
time. Broman further explains that the devices sensor array contains sensors to detect two

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metabolites, glucose and lactate. Broman further explains that "by monitoring current generated
when immobilized enzymes oxidize the compounds; ion-selective electrodes that detect sodium
and potassium ions; and a resistance-based skin temperature sensor" (Borman). According to the
author, the device utilizes skin temperature readings in order to calibrate the sensors used to
collect data which is then calculated and transmitted to a smart phone or computer. Bromine
finishes the article by discussing some of the potential benefits of such a device which are:
monitoring blood glucose levels for diabetics, monitoring restricted blood flow to tissues,
detecting sodium and potassium levels in sweat to indicate dehydration, muscle cramps, and
electrolyte imbalances, as well as other enhancements to the device which can enable it to detect
other analytics.
Broman presents an interesting article with useful applications both in the medical and
the fitness industries. As an electrical engineering student and a Christian, Im always interested
in how I can utilize my future degree for the Kingdom of Heaven. Developing electrical devices
which can augment and support the human body will help prevent or convalesce diseases,
provide early warning against conditions, and provide better quality of life. By helping others in
their time of need we are demonstrating Gods love, In the same way, let your light shine before
others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven
(English Standard Version, Matt. 5.16).
I have always been fascinated with electrical devices, especially, devices which provide
analytics about themselves, the environment, or data specific to the user. Having a device which
would constantly monitor my biomarkers, would give me insight into the current state of my
body and would help me to self-diagnose any potential problems and would provide handy and
interesting data to analyze.

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Having a device which can continuously monitor ones biomarkers, would be extremely
useful for athletes and diabetics. Athletes could preemptively anticipate any potential problems
which could influence their performance where diabetics could avoid the inconvenience of
continuously pricking the skin in order to measure their glucose levels. Furthermore, biomarkers
with increased sensors can be used in many applications where having instant in depth feedback
invaluable such as: patients in the hospital, military personnel, and any application where
individuals must be operating at their optimal level.

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Works Cited
Borman, A Stu. "Wearable Device Analyzes Sweat To Monitor Users Health." Chemical &
Engineering News 1 February 2016: 11. Magazine.
The English Standard Version Bible. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2009. Print.