This face mask can detect kidney disease with just your breath
Published in ACS Sensors, the study showed that the smart mask uses a tiny sensor placed between its layers to detect small molecules in a person's breath. These molecules, called metabolites, are linked to chronic kidney disease. In early tests, the mask was able to identify people with the disease with high accuracy.
The smart mask uses a tiny sensor placed between its layers to detect small molecules in a person's breath. (Photo: ACS Sensors)
Kidney patients are known to exhale more ammonia than healthy individuals. But ammonia can also appear in other illnesses. So, researchers led by Corrado Di Natale, an Italy-based electrical engineer, wanted to create a sensor that could detect ammonia along with other chemicals linked specifically to chronic kidney disease.advertisementTo do this, they coated tiny silver electrodes with a polymer commonly used in chemical sensors. This polymer was further enhanced with porphyrins, molecules that react with gases in breath.These coated electrodes were then added to the mask and connected to a small electronic reader.When someone wearing the mask breathes out, the gases interact with the sensor. This causes changes in electrical resistance, which helps detect chemicals like ammonia, ethanol, propanol and aceton, all linked to chronic kidney disease.
The smart mask can detect metabolites in the breath to reveal information about kidney disease. (Photo: ACS Sensor)
The team tested the sensor on 100 people, half with the kidney disease and half without. The mask correctly identified chronic kidney disease in 84% of the cases and correctly ruled it out in 88% of people who were healthy. It also showed promise in estimating the stage of chronic kidney disease.According to the researchers, this kind of breath-based, wearable sensor could make diagnosing and monitoring kidney disease easier, faster and more affordable.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Illegal sale of deaddiction drugs: ED raids in Punjab, Chandigarh, Mumbai
The Enforcement Directorate said on Friday that it has been conducting raids at four locations in Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Barnala and Mumbai in connection with a money-laundering investigation linked with the illegal sale of Buprenorphine/Naloxone by 22 private de-addiction centres in Punjab. The Enforcement Directorate has raided four locations in Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Barnala and Mumbai in connection with a money-laundering investigation linked with the illegal sale of Buprenorphine/Naloxone by private de-addiction centres in Punjab. (Representational photo) These centres are owned by Dr Amit Bansal, who was arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau in January and faces multiple cases registered by Punjab Police for illegally selling these medicines crucial for managing withdrawal symptoms. He was arrested following complaints of the illegal sale of drugs by these deaddiction centres in the open market. 'During investigation, it was found that Dr Bansal misused his de-addiction centres in Punjab and was involved in the illegal sale of de-addiction drugs. A Ludhiana-based government drug inspector, Roopinder Kaur, who assisted him by forwarding fudged inspection reports related to pilferage of medicines from his hospitals, has also been covered in the search operations,' a senior ED official said. The raids are also being carried out at a Mumbai-based pharma company, Rusan Pharma Limited, which a prime manufacturer of BNX (Buprenorphine/Naloxone) used for treating addiction. Following his arrest by VB, the state health department suspended the licences of all 22 centres of Dr Bansal on January 13. The ED said these de-addiction centres were to provide the medicine to patients admitted. 'This medication, meant for rehabilitation of drug addicts, were being misused for new kind of drug abuse when taken in excess quantity,' the official said. The VB FIR said that drug inspector Roopinder Kaur from Ludhiana had colluded with Dr Bansal. During an inspection of one of his centres, a discrepancy of 4,610 missing tablets was found, but her report to the directorate of health and family welfare mentioned 4,000 missing tablets, ostensibly to protect Dr Bansal from legal repercussions. In 2023, then Jalandhar deputy commissioner Jaspreet Singh initiated an inquiry against Dr Bansal for misappropriation of BNX from his Nakodar-based drug-de-addiction centre. A case was registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and other Sections, including 465 (for making forged documents), 467 (forgery), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 471 (using as genuine a forged), 201 (tampering of evidence) and 381 (theft) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code. In a report submitted by the inquiry committee, it was found that there is no proof of the return of 1.44 lakh narcotic tablets, Addnok, to Rusan Pharma Limited, while there was a difference of 1,000 such tablets in the stock register, 1,000 tablets of buprenorphine tablets 'Buprisan-N' and 96 other narcotic tablets were missing from the centre records. The committee found suspected signatures on 102 files that don't appear to be of the same person to whom the tablets were issued. Moreover, there are no signatures on 154 files created for 'non-opioid users'. In April, police registered a case in Patiala against Dr Bansal under the NDPS Act, and Sections 336 (endangering human life) and 340(2) (forget of documents and electronic records) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for the illegal sale of 31,000 narcotic pills.
Mint
2 hours ago
- Mint
W Health Ventures set to close $100 mn fund II for early-stage healthcare bets in India and US
Next Story Sowmya Ramasubramanian W Health is also witnessing a leadership churn. Namit Chugh, a principal at the firm, has resigned from the post and is currently serving his notice W Health Ventures's new fund will continue to back startups at the seed and Series A stages, with cheque sizes of $1 million-$5 million. (Image: Pixabay) Gift this article Bengaluru: Delhi-based venture capital firm W Health Ventures is likely to announce the first close of its second fund of $100 million in the coming weeks, according to two people aware of the development. The new fund will double down on early-stage healthcare investments in companies across India and the US. Bengaluru: Delhi-based venture capital firm W Health Ventures is likely to announce the first close of its second fund of $100 million in the coming weeks, according to two people aware of the development. The new fund will double down on early-stage healthcare investments in companies across India and the US. The new fund will continue to back startups at the seed and Series A stages, with cheque sizes of $1 million-$5 million and will participate in larger rounds with co-investors. "W Health Ventures is at a pivotal stage in its growth. We are currently raising our fund II, and in the coming weeks, we will share updates on the fundraise and key leadership appointments made over the past year," W Health's managing partner Pankaj Jethwani said in response to Mint's queries. W Health's new fund is a positive development for early-stage deals as funding softened to $3 billion in 2024, down from $4 billion in the previous year, according to estimates by Tracxn. The firm will also make Series B investments 'selectively" with emphasis on healthcare businesses that are being built for both domestic and global markets. 'The upcoming fund will continue our focus on early-stage healthcare innovation. We will also selectively back Series A and B companies that align with our thesis," Jethwani added. 'Our core thesis remains consistent: to build generational healthcare companies from scratch in India and beyond. The company creation model demonstrated strong results in Fund I, and we look forward to extending that approach through Fund II." A company creation model is a mix of investing in and incubating companies through its venture studio. The firm, founded in 2019 by Sunil Wadhwani, mostly backs single-specialty healthcare delivery and AI-enabled services. Its India portfolio includes diabetes management platform Wysa Health, healthcare-focused venture studio 2070 Health, and sexual health and wellness provider Good Health Company. In the US, it has backed seven companies, including AI-led mental health startup Wysa and cancer support program Jasper. Also Read | Wipro's venture arm bets bigger on mature consumer startups Senior exit Meanwhile, Namit Chugh, a principal at the firm, has resigned from the post and is currently serving his notice, according to the two people quoted above. W Health's Jethwani confirmed the development. Chugh served the role for a little over four years and is counted among the early members of W Health. Prior to joining W Health Ventures, he worked as an associate at Lok Capital (backer of Akshayakalpa Organics and Mintifi), where he made investments across sectors. He has also worked with consulting firms such as Alvarez & Marsal and PwC in the past and focused on strategy and commercial due diligence assignments for private equity clients. Chugh's move comes at a time when the venture capital ecosystem is witnessing a churn. While some senior fund managers are moving out to set up their own ventures, others are looking for better titles and pay. In February, Peak XV's managing directors Abheek Anand and Shailesh Lakhani left the venture capital firm, almost two years after it broke ties with its US partner Sequoia Capital. In November last year, early-stage firm co-founder and partner, Shashank Randev, quit to form his own venture, 247VC. Raj Dugar, managing partner at Eight Roads Ventures, also stepped down last year following a 17-year stint. Topics You May Be Interested In Catch all the Business News , Corporate news , Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
What is the best time to eat nuts for gut health, according to a top gastroenterologist
According to Dr. Saurabh Sethi, incorporating specific nuts at optimal times can significantly boost health. Almonds in the morning enhance metabolic health and mental clarity, while mid-morning pine nuts aid in appetite control. Cashews at lunchtime boost immunity and energy. Pistachios in the afternoon prevent energy slumps, and evening walnuts promote better sleep. Eating nuts is good for health. They are packed with healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. While nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, and hazelnuts support heart health and promote a healthy weight, walnuts are known for their brain-boosting power, thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids. While we all know that eating nuts is great for health, little do we know about the best time to have them. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist trained at Harvard and Stanford, with over 25 years of clinical experience, has shared science-backed views on the optimal times to eat specific nuts to boost gut health, hormonal balance, and overall well-being. Let's take a look. Morning Dr. Sethi suggests starting the day with almonds. Rich in vitamin E and magnesium, almonds help stabilize blood sugar levels and support cognitive function. So, eating them in the morning would be ideal to boost metabolic health and mental clarity. Mid-morning To get the best benefit of pine nuts, munch on them during mid-morning. Pine nuts contain pinolenic acid, a compound that suppresses appetite and supports fat metabolism. You can have it around 10 or 11 a.m. This can prevent cravings and also overeating during lunch. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Their nutrient profile makes them ideal for maintaining energy without spiking blood sugar. Lunchtime According to Dr. Sethi, the best time to eat cashews is during lunch time. Cashews are rich in zinc and iron, which boost immunity and enhance energy metabolism. You can add cashews to a salad or eat them alongside a meal. Cashews are calorie-dense, so go for a moderate portion. Afternoon The best time to have pistachios is in the afternoon. It can help you break from the afternoon slump. Pistachios are packed with protein and fiber, which help stabilize energy levels and curb cravings. Having some pistachios around 3 or 4 p.m. will keep you focused and satisfied until dinner. Evening If you enjoy walnuts, eat them in the evening. Walnuts promote better sleep and brain health. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and melatonin, which support cognitive function and also aid a restful night's sleep. Dessert Pecans are great for your heart. You can consider eating them with dessert. Their polyphenols help lower LDL cholesterol and reduce oxidative stress. You can eat them after dinner to boost cardiovascular health. Pair them with fruits to satisfy your sweet tooth. Dr. Sethi recommends eating peanuts anytime. Their resveratrol and niacin content support heart and brain health. Whether mid-morning or late afternoon, you can enjoy peanuts anytime. Charles Sparks 'Culinary Betrayal' Slammed | Ex-Royal Chef BLASTS King's French Pick For Macron Feast While nuts are good for you, remember to enjoy them in moderation.
