Check out Northwestern’s Science Cafe this month where you’ll learn about the development of a lab worn on the skin!

A research team under the guidance of John Rogers, has developed a first-of-its-kind soft, flexible microfluidic device that easily adheres to the skin and measures the wearer’s sweat to show how his or her body is responding to exercise. A little larger than a quarter and about the same thickness, the simple, low-cost device, analyzes key biomarkers to help a person decide quickly if any adjustments, such as drinking more water or replenishing electrolytes, need to be made or if something is medically awry. Designed for one-time use of a few hours, the device, placed directly on the skin of the forearm or back, even detects the presence of a biomarker for cystic fibrosis. In the future, it may be more broadly used for disease diagnosis.

FREE and open to the public. Food & drink available for purchase.

John Rogers, PhD, is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Neurological Surgery at Northwestern University

Come on out to hear about this new discovery – ‘lab on the skin’ a wearable, skin-like microfluidic system which enables new measurement capabilities currently not possible. It may someday change our lives.