Researchers used a new sensor technology to create a smart pill bottle that sends wireless alerts when it detects tampering, overdose or unsafe storage conditions.
Digital technology offers opportunities to improve traditional approaches to issues threatening human health. For example, networks of tiny wearable sensors deployed in hospitals can be used to track influenza outbreaks in real time. But the high costs associated with electronic manufacturing means that these sensors aren't available where they're needed most--to the low-income populations that suffer disproportionately from epidemics.
Prescription Drug Abuse
Prescription drug abuse is consuming prescription medications in a way different from that as prescribed by the doctor. It is becoming a colossal health problem which can lead to addiction and even death.
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‘A new sensor technology helps create a smart pill bottle to help fight the problem of prescription drug abuse.’
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Muhammed Hussain, doctoral student Sherjeel Khan and colleagues are working to make sensors more accessible using cheaper materials. For example, they recently demonstrated that it is feasible to create temperature and humidity sensors from paper by drawing circuits with conductive ink.
The team has now developed a stretchy sensor--an anisotropic conductive tape with a range of touch-sensitive applications. Assembled by sandwiching tiny silver particles between two layers of adhesive copper tape, the new material is nonconductive in its normal state. But when pressed by a finger, the double-layered tape makes an electrical connection that sends a signal to an external reader.
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"Similar devices have been used in flat panel displays," explains Khan, "but we've made them simple to build and easy to use by almost anyone."
After 3D-printing a lid that uses light-emitting diodes to count the number of pills dispensed, they taped paper-based humidity and temperature sensors to its underside. The bottle was then sealed with an outer layer of conductive tape that acts as a touch sensor.
If someone attempts to break into the bottle, or the insides become dangerously moist, a flexible control module inside the bottle analyzes the signals and delivers warnings to cell phones via a Bluetooth connection. The conductive tape could be used on its own or as part of a modular sensor system, and so Hussain envisions it could help groups looking for quick tests of innovative health sensors.
This sensor development that is easy to build also opens up broader possibilities for researchers. "If you give researchers a 'do it yourself opportunity,' there is a good chance they will use it to expand the horizon of electronics and empower humanity with better technology," Hussain adds.
Source: Eurekalert
Drug Abuse Screening Test
Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) is a screening test to find out if you need professional help with 'Drug Abuse' problem. This is only an anonymous self test.
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"Similar devices have been used in flat panel displays," explains Khan, "but we've made them simple to build and easy to use by almost anyone."
After 3D-printing a lid that uses light-emitting diodes to count the number of pills dispensed, they taped paper-based humidity and temperature sensors to its underside. The bottle was then sealed with an outer layer of conductive tape that acts as a touch sensor.
If someone attempts to break into the bottle, or the insides become dangerously moist, a flexible control module inside the bottle analyzes the signals and delivers warnings to cell phones via a Bluetooth connection. The conductive tape could be used on its own or as part of a modular sensor system, and so Hussain envisions it could help groups looking for quick tests of innovative health sensors.
This sensor development that is easy to build also opens up broader possibilities for researchers. "If you give researchers a 'do it yourself opportunity,' there is a good chance they will use it to expand the horizon of electronics and empower humanity with better technology," Hussain adds.
Source: Eurekalert
Drug Abuse may Really Set In If Kids Start Smoking Pot Before 15
Drug abuse may become a real problem at the age of 28 if kids start smoking pot before 15, finds a new study. These kids are bound to have drug problems when they become young adults.
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 Early-onset Cannabis Use May Increase Drug Abuse Problems in Later LifeCannabis use or smoking pot at an early age may lead to drug abuse problems in later life. Therefore, it is essential to prevent or reduce cannabis use as early as possible. | Advertisement
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