Wearable Patch Wirelessly Monitors Estrogen in Sweat

Because of its many functions, the hormone estradiol is often specifically monitored by physicians as part of women's health care, but this usually requires the patient to visit a clinic to have blood drawn for analysis in a lab. Even at-home testing kits require samples of blood or urine to be mailed to a lab. But now Caltech researchers, led by Wei Gao [assistant professor of medical engineering, investigator with the Heritage Medical Research Institute, and Ronald and JoAnne Willens Scholar] have developed a wearable sensor that monitors estradiol by detecting its presence in sweat. The researchers say the sensor may one day make it easier for women to monitor their estradiol levels at home and in real time. [Caltech story]