iFall: An Android fall detection app: Researchers at Florida State University developed an alert system for the Android smartphone platform that both detects falls and alerts authorities. Data from the device’s accelerometer is evaluated using several threshold-based algorithms and positional data to determine a fall, taking into account factors such as height, weight and level of activity of the user. When a fall is detected, a notification is raised requiring the user to respond. If he or she does not respond, the system alerts family or friends via SMS. If someone responds, the system automatically enables the speakerphone and, after confirmation of the fall, emergency services are contacted. iFall is still in the testing stage and not yet commercially available, but a release is planned for late summer.
GSM scale autonomously keeps tabs on weight loss: BodyTrace out of New York City released a new wireless scale that integrates GSM cellular connectivity to automatically sync daily readings with an accompanying website. Since the device doesn’t require a computer to upload data, it is essentially autonomous and doesn’t rely on any other software or hardware.
Unbound releases third edition of RNotes : Unbound Medicine released the third edition of RNotes, a collection of clinically useful information for nurses to use at work and to prepare for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
Futuristic undies monitor your secretions: The future of underwear is here. Researchers in the U.S. and Taiwan have been hard at work developing wearable amperometric biosensors that can be printed onto clothing and could one day find their way into your underpants. As a proof-of-concept, the team developed sensors for the detection of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). They found that their new biosensors, which were printed on the elastic waistband of men’s underwear, were able to withstand the deformatory forces typically endured by clothing. In the future, the researchers plan to develop sensors enabling the detection of other substances such as lactate and ethanol. The technology could greatly assist in monitoring certain biochemical parameters in patients outside the hospital and may also find application in sports and the military.
A weekly roundup of new developments in wireless medical technology and mHealth, by MedGadget.com.