No more syringes

1998/07/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Osasuna

The outer layer of human skin is completely waterproof, since its main functions are to preserve the body fluids and protect the body from the external environment. But this waterproofing can be broken by sound waves, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have found.

These researchers are developing a glucose test device for diabetics that replaces syringes and makes it easy to perform. The device carries a battery powered ultrasound generator, which produces cracks in dead cells of the outer layer and makes the skin permeable. Ultrasound can be replaced with laser pulses, which can be dangerous and painful.