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Google’s new health-tracking wearable monitors patient vitals post hospital stay
Google has revealed that they have created a health-tracking wristband which will not only measure your vitals like pulse, heart rate and skin temperature, but will also detect environmental information like noise levels and light exposure. Google revealed the details of the experimental device to Bloomberg on Tuesday.
Google X, the research division that brought us the company’s self-driving cars, Glass and Loon, are behind the development of the new health-tracking wristband.
The new wristband is not going to be marketed as a consumer device, but will rather be used by physicians and researchers to receive minute-by-minute data on the wellbeing of a patient. Andy Conrad, head of the life sciences team at Google spoke to Bloomberg; “Our intended use is for this to become a medical device that’s prescribed to patients or used for clinical trials.”
When patients are no longer in the hospital, Google wants to be able to provide physicians with reliable data when it comes to tracking the health of their patients. Unfortunately, the current consumer-grade fitness trackers do not provide medical-grade accuracy.
The life sciences division of Google X has already created an experimental contact lens, which is able to read a diabetic’s blood sugar levels. The contact lens is equipped with flexible sensors and antennae. They will interact with human tear fluid and transmit readings straight to the individual’s smartphone. Swiss drug maker, Novartis AG’s Alcon unit will be commercializing the contact lens.
Last year Google also acquired Lift Labs, a startup in the process of developing a motored spoon to help people suffering from tremors. This past January they also announced a partnership with drug makers to research multiple sclerosis.
Conrad hopes for a day in the future when healthy people will use the wristband for early detection of diseases. “I envision a day, in 20 or 30 years, where physicians give it to all patients,” said Conrad. “Prevention means all the time.”
According to Conrad, Google will be collaborating with drug makers and academic researchers to test the device’s accuracy. They will also be seeking regulatory clearance to use the wristband in Europe and the U.S.
Image credit: geralt via Pixabay.com
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