Will the next generation of wearables be earrings and jewellery? University of Washington researchers think so
University of Washington researchers have created a thermal earring that could be the first in a new generation of wearables
The wireless wearable collects health data from the earlobe
It shows promise for measuring signs of stress, eating, exercise and ovulation
There are ambitions to make this into a jewelery range for health monitoring
University of Washington researchers have created a wireless wearable in the form of a thermal earring that continuously monitors a user’s earlobe temperature.
In a study of six users, the earring outperformed a smartwatch at sensing skin temperature during periods of rest. It also showed promise for monitoring stress, eating, exercise and ovulation.
About the size and weight of a small paperclip, the earring has a magnetic clip that attaches one temperature sensor to a wearer’s ear, while another sensor dangles about an inch below it for estimating room temperature.
The earring can be personalized with fashion designs made of resin, without negatively affecting its accuracy.
Co-lead author Qiuyue (Shirley) Xue, a UW doctoral student in the Paul G Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering says many people find smartwatches and rings unfashionable, bulky or uncomfortable so earrings could be a viable alternative.
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