"High-Sensitivity Measurement of Health-Related Compounds Using Cellphone Compass"

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology have developed a technique that utilizes an ordinary cellphone magnetometer to measure the concentration of glucose and other biomedical properties with high accuracy. By using magnetic materials designed to react to biological or environmental cues, the method has the potential to rapidly and inexpensively measure various compounds important for human health, such as glucose and pH levels. The technique could enable routine testing for glucose in saliva and has the potential to detect environmental toxins. The researchers' proof-of-concept study was published in Nature Communications.