Personalized wearable sensor measures body temperature

July 19 (UPI) -- Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have developed a 3D printed sensor worn on the ear that monitors core body temperature.

Body temperature fluctuations can mean a range of health conditions including a fever being the first sign of infection.

However, temperature fluctuations can also mean more subtle health conditions including insomnia, fatigue, depression and metabolic function.

The researchers created the sensor by integrating data processing circuits, a wireless module and an infrared sensor to measure core body temperature via the ear in the 3D printed device.

The device is disk-like and covers the ear with a microphone embedded into it to allow the user to hear while wearing the monitor.

A Bluetooth module transmits temperature readings to a smartphone app for users to access on their phones.

Current wearable sensors can only detect outside temperature readings, not core body temperature readings.

The study, published July 19 in ACS Sensors, adds to the increasing number of health trackers that integrate with smartphone apps to provide a real-time measure of health.