Create a patch to measure stress

Stanford scientists have created an elastic patch that can collect sweat from the skin and badess the amount of cortisol that a person is producing, according to a study published in the journal Science Advances. Clinical tests that measure cortisol can be an indicator of the emotional or physical stress of the subjects studied and help doctors determine whether the adrenal glands or the pituitary of a patient are functioning properly. The hormone cortisol rises and falls naturally during the day and can reach very high levels in response to stress.

Current methods of measuring cortisol levels require a wait of several days to obtain laboratory results. If the prototype version of this device becomes a reality, this could allow people with imbalances to monitor their level at home and get results in seconds. This quick test could reveal the emotional state of a young child who otherwise would not be able to communicate that he feels stress, according to the study.

"This offers an innovative approach for the early detection of different diseases and the badessment of sports performance. said Onur Parlak, postdoctoral researcher at Alberto Salleo's laboratory of Stanford University and senior author of the study. The team has built a rectangular and elastic sensor around a membrane that binds only to cortisol. The patch can pbadively sweat through the holes in the bottom and sweat accumulates in a tank, according to the study.