This is a major development in the treatment of substance abuse
Scientists in the US have invented an injectable microchip, capable of monitoring the levels of alcohol and drugs in a persons body.
The tiny chip was developed by engineers from Jacobs School of Engineering at the University of San Diego. And it's hoped it will one day be used to help people who suffer from substance addiction.
Breathalysers and blood tests are the current main methods in determining what substances are in a patients bloodstream. However both require patient cooperation and the expertise of a trained professional.
It's thought this invention could prove invaluable to those in recovery from substance abuse, by allowing them to easily measure and reduce the level of substances like alcohol in their body.
“We’ve shown that this chip can work for alcohol, but we envision creating others that can detect different substances of abuse and inject a customised cocktail of them into a patient to provide long-term, personalised medical monitoring.” Drew Hall, project lead and an electrical engineering professor at Jacobs School of Engineering at the University of San Diego told Forbes.
So, how does it work?
The microchip sits just under the skin in the fluid between the cells. Once in place, the biosensor - which reacts to substances like alcohol - then wirelessly transmits information to a sensor outside of the body, like a smart watch.
“The ultimate goal of this work is to develop a routine, unobtrusive alcohol and drug monitoring device for patients in substance abuse treatment programs,” Professor Hall said via a press release.
“A tiny injectable sensor - that can be administered in a clinic without surgery - could make it easier for patients to follow a prescribed course of monitoring for extended periods of time.''
Great potential! Let's hope it can have the desired effect in helping people who suffer substance abuse.
