Monitoring Sun Exposure with a Portable Paper Sensor
May 26, 2016 | ACSEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Summer is around the corner — time for cookouts and sunbathing. But too much sun can result in sunburn, which is the main cause of skin cancer. Because the time it takes to get burned depends on many factors, it is not easy to tell when to seek shade. To help people stay safe, researchers report in ACS Sensors the development of a paper-based sensor for monitoring sun exposure given different skin tones and sunscreen levels.
Most currently available UV sensors require high-tech gadgets to operate, such as smartphones or wearable devices. Recently, single-use, disposable sunburn sensors have come onto the market. However, some of these sensors use substances that are potentially harmful to people or the environment. Others are only good for specific skin tones. Thus, J. Justin Gooding and colleagues set out to create a disposable sunburn sensor that is inexpensive, is composed entirely of safe and benign materials and can be easily calibrated to take into account different skin tones and SPFs of sunscreens that are applied on the skin.
The group created a sun-exposure sensor by inkjet printing titanium dioxide, a nontoxic and inexpensive compound, and a food dye on paper. When enough UV radiation hits the sensor, titanium dioxide causes the dye to change color, warning people to get out of the sun or apply more sunscreen. To adjust the sensor for various skin tones and sunscreen use, the group added UV neutral density filters that can speed up or slow down the discoloration time of the sensor.
Suggested Items
Incap Estonia Teamed Up With Solaride to Fuel Youth Excitement for The World of Engineering
04/11/2024 | IncapIncap Estonia partnered with Solaride to ignite enthusiasm among young people for the world of engineering and sustainable technology. Together, they organised an inspiring day for students from grades 7 through 12 in Saaremaa. Held at Incap’s Kuressaare factory, this event brought together over 130 young minds eager to explore the innovative world of technology and learn more about advanced electronics manufacturing.
Accenture to Acquire CLIMB to Expand Technology Capabilities
04/08/2024 | BUSINESS WIREAccenture has agreed to acquire CLIMB, a technology services provider specializing in system integration, IT infrastructure management and operations, primarily in the Gunma Prefecture.
IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Kurt Palmer on the Formation of Schmoll America
04/01/2024 | Barry Matties, I-Connect007There’s exciting news for Schmoll Maschinen as Kurt Palmer leaves his role as president of Burkle North America to lead the new Schmoll America. In this interview, Kurt discusses his collaboration with Burkle North America, what it means for his new Schmoll teams, and the many machines and processes he’ll have on display at his busy booth at IPC APEX EXPO.
It’s Only Common Sense: When Your Company Starts Running Out of Popcorn
04/01/2024 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: It's Only Common SenseCompanies, like people, get tired. I have seen companies just lose their focus, their “raison d’etre,” and just, well, fade away. More than once, I have sat in the office of a company owner, trying to console him while he asks me to “get him out of there.” Owners just get tired of the daily grind. They want off the treadmill of the constant juggling of people, strategies, customers, and, of course, cash flow.
Global Sourcing Spotlight: Don’t Be Afraid of Global Sourcing
04/03/2024 | Bob Duke -- Column: Global Sourcing SpotlightOn paper, it doesn’t seem like a great time for global sourcing. With several world conflicts, it may seem impossible to think that something like global sourcing and commercial trade between countries could begin to alleviate this tension between warring countries. But hey, I’ve always been a glass-half-full guy, so humor me. While trade between countries can indeed foster cooperation and contribute to peace in several ways, it's essential to recognize that it's not a panacea for all global issues. However, here are some ways in which trade can contribute to peace and global stability.