Injectable Glowing Beads In Bloodstream Can Indicate Glucose Levels [Health]

Diabetics might have another tool in their blood-sugar management arsenal – an implantable, fluorescent blood-sugar monitor. It involves small hydrogel beads that modify the intensity of emitted light reckoning on glucose concentration. They\’re called Life Beans.

The system, developed at the University of Tokyo, may lead to implantable blood-glucose monitors, that may enable 24-7 monitoring of a diabetic\’s blood sugar while not having to prick the surface or use an attachable pump.

\” Beans\” stands for Bioelectrical Mechanical Autonomous Nano Systems.\”

Researchers tested it within the ears of a mouse, and watched as the ear fluoresced at different intensities reckoning on the mouse\’s blood sugar.

The researchers think it might be possible to develop devices that manage diabetics\’ blood sugar without them noticing it.

The main problem is the beads\’ life span – when they\’re implanted, the immune system kicks in and attaches proteins to the beads, which effectively dim their light. The next move is engineering a fabric that resists protein adhesion, the researchers say.

Learn more in this video:

[DigInfoNews]

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This post is tagged: beads, bloodstream, glowing, health, Indicate, Levels