Early warning UV skin patch

University of NSW (UNSW) scientists have developed a skin patch that acts as an early warning device, alerting the wearer when it is time to get out of the sun. This safe, affordable and easy-to-use sun-sensitive sensor is blue and discolours gradually in response to UV light.

Developed by Professor Justin Gooding and Dr Parisa Sowti Khiabani, the paper device is made with an ink-jet printer and contains benign materials such as food dye. The patches are calibrated to simulate the varied UV exposure times of different skin types, even after sunscreen has been applied.

A provisional patent has been filed for the technology, which could help decrease the high rate of UV-related skin cancer in Australia. The research is one of the projects undertaken by experts of the newly launched NSW Smart Sensing Network. For more information, visit www.nssn.org.au.

Image caption: UNSW's Dr Parisa Sowti Khiabani wearing the UV-sensitive skin patch she developed.