ENRICHING SOCIETY
TRACKING TIPSINESS
The latest tech to make our roads safer .
BY LIEZEL LABIOS , MS ’ 10 , PhD ’ 12
A HALF-CENTURY since its invention , the Breathalyzer remains the standard means of estimating blood alcohol content during traffic stops , even despite issues like inaccuracy and known subversion methods . UC San Diego is about to break through with a better alternative to the Breathalyzer — one that will take your breath away , entirely .
Researchers at the Center for Wearable Sensors have successfully developed a wearable device that can accurately monitor blood alcohol levels and send the results to a mobile app in real time . The device works by using a temporary “ tattoo ” that releases the drug pilocarpine to make the user sweat . Sensors in the tattoo are coated with an enzyme that detects alcohol concentration , and the readings are communicated to the user ’ s mobile device via a small electronic circuit board magnetically attached to the tattoo . Altogether , the process takes minutes to yield an accurate reading .
The device was created in the labs of professors Joseph Wang and Patrick Mercier , director and co-director , respectively , of the Center for Wearable Sensors . Wang ’ s lab created the tattoo , which costs only a few cents to make thanks to screen-printing fabrication . Mercier ’ s group devised the flexible electronic circuit board that powers the sensor and gives it wireless capability . They also developed the corresponding app for the alcohol monitoring system .
According to Wang , this real-time window into the effect of alcohol on our bodies can make a profound difference on the road . “ This technology provides an accurate , convenient and quick way to monitor alcohol consumption to help prevent people from driving while intoxicated ,” he says .
The device could even be integrated with a car ’ s ignition interlocks . But for the moment , simplicity is the key . “ The user can put on the patch and , within a few minutes , get a reading that ’ s well correlated to his or her blood alcohol concentration ,” says Mercier . “ Such a device hasn ’ t been available — until now .”
Special enzymes detect alcohol concentration , which is sent to an app via Bluetooth .
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