Using an iPhone to Measure Chemical Levels

Scientists at Northwestern University have devised a means of measuring blood levels of glucose and sodium using an iPhone, according to a report at Campus Technology. Fluorescent nanoparticles tattooed onto the skin bind to the substances and emit light when exposed to special LEDs used with a filtered iPhone camera. Presently the camera image is transferred to a computer for interpretation, but an app could be written to analyze the data instantly, providing a quick test for dehydration or glucose levels. The process could be adapted to quantify levels of other chemicals, too. Find details of the invention at MIT's Technology Review.