SensNews Sept 2020

Sensor100 September 2020 22 Painless paper patch test for glucose levels uses microneedles Several types of microneedles exist, but until now, making a practical device that quickly analyzes the fluid has proved elusive. "We have overcome this prob- lem by developing a way to combine porous microneedles with paper-based sensors," says Prof. Kim, University of Tokyo. "The result is low-cost, dispos- able, and does not require any additional instruments." University ofTokyo News 14 September Commercial battery cells that can monitor their own chemical and thermal state Researchers at Collège de France and Hong Kong Polytechnic University have recently designed a Na(Li)-ion battery that can monitor its own chemical and thermal state via a series of optical sensors integrated in its cells.This unique self-monitoring battery, presented in a paper published in Nature Energy, could provide greater safety and a more sustained efficiency compared to conventional battery tech- nologies. Deviating from classical battery technol- ogy designs and introducing a sensing component within a battery could ultimately enhance its lifetime. Reported by: TechExplore 29 September