Science 363, 947 (2019)

A skin-like sensor that monitors the vital signs of neonates allows other medical procedures to be easily carried out on the infant, enables therapeutic skin-to-skin contact with parents and prevents skin damage.

Neonates in intensive care require constant monitoring of their vital signs, which is currently done with adhesive sensors that can easily damage their newly developed or underdeveloped skin and are a physical impediment to other procedures, medical imaging and parental bonding.

An international group of scientists developed a small electronic device that is wireless, ultrathin, soft and skin-like. The device adheres in a way that does not damage skin, and can measure a complete set of vital signs along with advanced physiological parameters not commonly collected currently. Data from the device are read out remotely via Bluetooth.

The preliminary study indicates that these sensors could replace the current technology and could be used for other individuals of any age.