New technology could make it significantly easier to monitor patients’ vital health signs.

Engineers at the University of California San Diego have developed an electronic finger wrap that monitors important chemical levels — such as glucose, vitamins and even drugs — using only human sweat, the university stated in a news release.

The wearable innovation is said to be as easy as wearing an adhesive bandage.

The research was published on Sept. 3 in the journal Nature Electronics.

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“This is the first demonstration of a complete zero-electric powered sweat (extraction and sensing) platform that enables non-invasive monitoring of multiple biomarkers to support a wide range of practical scenarios in personalized health care monitoring and wellness management,” Dr. Joseph Wang, PhD, a professor in the Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and Nano Engineering at UC San Diego, told Fox News Digital in an email.

The wearable apparatus wraps snugly around the finger and draws its power from the fingertip’s sweat, according to the researchers. 

“Fingertips, despite their small size, are among the body’s most prolific sweat producers, each packed with over 1,000 sweat glands,” the news release stated.

The device is constructed from electronic components and printed on a thin, flexible and stretchable polymer material. 

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It conforms to the finger and is “durable enough to withstand repeated bending, stretching and movement,” the researchers stated. 

Added Wang, “It is based on a remarkable integration of energy harvesting and storage components, with multiple biosensors in a fluidic microchannel, along with the corresponding electronic controller, all at the fingertip.”

Health at your fingertips — literally

In the study trials, the finger wrap showed to be effective, according to the research team.

“The fingertip-wearable microgrid works automatically after it is worn on the finger,” study co-first author Shichao Ding, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in Wang’s research group at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering, told Fox News Digital via email.

The wearable apparatus wraps snugly around the finger and draws its power from the fingertip’s sweat, according to the researchers.  (iStock)

Participants wore the device on the fingertip while performing daily activities such as working at a desk, walking, eating and sleeping to assess “the real-time performance of the sensors and energy-harvesting system.”

Biomarker levels can be automatically monitored from the sweat for on-demand health tracking, Ding added.

Fingertip glands can produce 100 to 1,000 times more sweat than most other areas of the body, even during rest, according to the researchers.  

“Fingertips are among the body’s most prolific sweat producers, each packed with over 1,000 sweat glands.”

“This constant trickle of natural perspiration — without any stimuli or physical activity — offers a reliable energy source, fueling the device even during periods of inactivity or sleep,” they stated.

Ding added, “Autonomous power, sensing and treatment all in one device — that’s the ultimate goal.”

Next steps

Looking ahead, the researchers plan to enhance the device’s performance with additional energy-harvesting techniques.

Those might involve generating mechanical energy from human motion, such as common finger movements like tapping or typing, Ding said.

“In the case of diabetes, such a device could continuously monitor glucose levels, automatically deliver insulin as needed, and then assess the treatment’s effectiveness by further monitoring biomarker levels,” a researcher said. (iStock)

The researchers are working to optimize the circuit design, battery, low-power sensing modules and data transmission to improve the device’s lifespan, stability and functionality, the researcher said, which will help to ensure a sustained balance between energy generation and consumption. 

“Researchers are working to develop a closed-loop system that not only monitors biomarkers, but also administers treatments based on the collected data,” Ding told Fox News Digital.

“For instance, in the case of diabetes, such a device could continuously monitor glucose levels, automatically deliver insulin as needed, and then assess the treatment’s effectiveness by further monitoring biomarker levels.”

A ‘pioneering’ innovation

Seokheun “Sean” Choi, PhD, a professor in the electrical and computer engineering department at Binghamton University in New York, was not involved in the device’s development but commented on its potential.

Wearable technology has made significant strides, noted Choi, who specializes in developing biosensing and bioenergy technologies, including self-powered biosensors and other solutions for personalized health monitoring.

The finger-wrap is “revolutionary” in terms of simple power generation and health monitoring, a doctor confirmed.  (iStock)

“However, achieving true energy independence — where devices are standalone and always-on — remains a major challenge,” he told Fox News Digital.

Current wearables rely on batteries or other energy storage devices, noted Choi, which pose limitations “due to their bulk and limited energy capacity.”

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The finger-wrap is “revolutionary” in terms of simple power generation and health monitoring, he confirmed. 

“To realize the next generation of wearable applications, power autonomy is essential, allowing devices to operate continuously, independently and self-sustainably,” Choi said.  

“Autonomous power, sensing and treatment all in one device — that’s the ultimate goal.”

“Professor Wang’s group has pioneered the integration of a sweat-driven electrochemical fuel cell with an energy storage battery, achieving sustainable high performance by using fingertip perspiration to generate meaningful power,” he went on.

“This is revolutionary because sweat was non-invasively and practically harvested from the fingertip in a simple, straightforward manner,” an expert said. (iStock)

“This is revolutionary because sweat was non-invasively and practically harvested from the fingertip in a simple, straightforward manner.”

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In addition to monitoring metabolic functions, Choi said, this solution also has the potential to be used for a wide range of medical applications.

Recent reports of a contaminated water supply in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which led to warnings not to use water from faucets earlier this week, have sparked general safety concerns.

The city of Grand Prairie, Texas, announced firefighting foam was detected in the water Tuesday, then announced Thursday the water is safe to drink, according to local reports.

Fox News Digital spoke to experts about potential risks with unfiltered tap water.

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Generally speaking, it’s safe to drink tap water, according to Dr. Brynna Connor, a board-certified family medicine physician in Frisco, Texas, and an ambassador for Northwestpharmacy.com. 

“As long as it’s from a public water system and there aren’t any active boil water advisories issued by local health committees and/or water companies,” Connor told Fox News Digital.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the public water system in the United States is one of the safest in the world, ensuring that water in the public systems meets federal standards for safe consumption.”

In some cases, however, there could be risks associated with drinking unfiltered tap water, including various illnesses affecting the gastrointestinal system, neurological system and reproductive system, according to Connor. 

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“Additionally, lead poisoning and hepatitis are potential risks that come with drinking unfiltered tap water, along with nitrate contamination and fluoride exposure,” she added. 

Infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to the potential risks that come with drinking unfiltered tap water, the doctor said.

In some cases, drinking unfiltered tap water could affect the gastrointestinal system, neurological system and reproductive system, a doctor warned. (iStock)

Jennifer Dunphy, a doctor of public health and co-founder of the WIN Network in Los Angeles, agreed that most tap water is regarded as safe to drink because it is regulated by standards that require harmful chemicals to be limited to a minimum. But that doesn’t mean there’s no risk at all.

“Just because tap water does not cause immediate health issues doesn’t mean there isn’t a concern for long-term health consequences,” she told Fox News Digital.

“The public water system in the United States is one of the safest in the world.”

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Tap water may contain trace amounts of chemicals like chlorine and arsenic, the doctor warned.

“These chemicals may accumulate in the body over time, and there is conflicting evidence on whether they pose long-term health risks,” Dunphy said.

“If you’re drinking well water, be sure to check with the owner that they’re monitoring for any contaminants beforehand,” a doctor advised. (iStock)

Cherilyn Davis, a physician with Elliston Pediatrics in New York, reiterated that, in the U.S., it’s generally safe to drink tap water but noted that the regulations do not apply to wells that are privately owned.

“If you’re drinking well water, be sure to check with the owner that they’re monitoring for any contaminants beforehand,” she advised.

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If unfiltered tap water has contaminants in it, drinking it may lead to certain health issues like upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea, Davis warned.

Other symptoms may include headaches or even fever.

One way to combat potential chemicals is to use a home filtration system, according to experts. (iStock)

“If the unfiltered water contains high levels of lead, it can lead to learning problems for children,” she said. 

“Chemicals and contaminants may end up in water simply because they’re naturally occurring in the environment, or it could be from the way land is operated on or nearby sewers or wastewater treatment systems that malfunction.”

Filtering out contaminants

One way to combat potential chemicals is to use a home filtration system.

“There are many affordable filtration systems that can filter out or mitigate the amount of chemicals left in your drinking water,” Dunphy said.

When choosing a system, she emphasized the importance of making sure it is proficient at filtering the chemicals of concern.

“If you don’t want to install an entire filtration system, you can use a faucet-mounted filter, a point-of-use filter or a pitcher filter,” one doctor said. (iStock)

“For example, only certain filters filter out arsenic, while some specific filtration systems are focused on chlorine,” she noted.

Filtration is especially important for those who use well water, the experts agreed.

“If you’re getting your tap water from a private well, it’s important to test the water regularly to ensure it’s safe,” Connor advised. 

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“Well water can easily be contaminated by substances like heavy metals, bacteria, parasites and pesticides and/or herbicides, or other contaminants, such as plutonium, uranium or radium.”

Those who live in an area where the water is known to have high levels of contaminants or have a lead service line should also consider a filtration system, the doctor advised.

Filtration is especially important for people with health concerns, those with weakened immune systems and young children, according to a doctor. (iStock)

“If you don’t want to install an entire filtration system, you can use a faucet-mounted filter, a point-of-use filter or a pitcher filter,” she added.

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Joseph Mercola, a board-certified family medicine osteopathic physician in Florida, agrees that using a home filtration system is a “smart move” that can help improve taste and provide “peace of mind.”

Filtration is especially important for people with health concerns, those with weakened immune systems and young children, according to the doctor.

Experts recommend testing tap water regularly, which will help you choose the best filter for the contaminants in your area. (iStock)

“From my understanding, reverse osmosis systems are very effective, removing up to 99% of contaminants,” he told Fox News Digital. “If that’s not an option, activated carbon filters with ion exchange can also work well.” 

Mercola recommends choosing a filter certified by NSF International to ensure that it’s effective. 

Davis noted that while it’s not absolutely necessary to use a filtration system, it can help to further filter out any germs or contaminants.

“Some substances in tap water are good to drink, like fluoride, which keeps your teeth healthy,” she noted. 

“Look for filters that eliminate only the unwanted components of the tap water.”

Testing is key, experts say

It’s crucial to be proactive about understanding what’s in your water, Mercola emphasized.

If unfiltered tap water has contaminants in it, drinking it may lead to certain health issues like upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea, an expert warned. (iStock)

“Drinking pure water is vital, as it supports your body’s functions and health.”

The doctor recommends testing tap water regularly, which will help you choose the best filter for the contaminants in your area.

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Homeowners can also read a local water quality report to better understand what’s in tap water, he advised. 

“Drinking pure water is vital, as it supports your body’s functions and health.”

It’s important to follow local advisories about water safety in emergencies or when traveling to areas with questionable water quality, Mercola added.

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To check the quality of water in your area, several experts recommend visiting the Environmental Working Group (EWG) tap water database at https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/ and entering your zip code.

Fox News Digital reached out to Dallas Water Utilities requesting comment.

Three senior citizens have died after contracting Legionnaires’ disease — a form of pneumonia that can spread via water — at an assisted living facility in Albany, New York, according to reports.

The Albany County Department of Health was first notified of a “cluster of cases” at Peregrine Senior Living on Aug. 30, according to a statement sent to Fox News Digital.

“We began an immediate investigation and the assisted living facility was placed on water restrictions,” a spokesperson said in the statement. 

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A total of 20 people have been hospitalized since Aug. 30. 

Half of those tested positive for Legionnaires’, according to the health department.

“Three who tested positive have died; two of the people who died were hospitalized for other health issues,” the statement continued. 

The New York State Health Department and Albany County Department of Health have tested water samples taken from the facility. 

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“Legionella bacteria was present in some samples and further testing is being done on those samples,” the Albany health department told Fox News Digital. 

“Peregrine has installed water filters so that some showers and bathrooms are available for use.”

When contacted by Fox News Digital, the New York State Department of Health said it is working closely with the Albany County Department of Health and Peregrine Senior Living to investigate and respond to the outbreak.

A total of 20 people have been hospitalized since Aug. 30, according to the local health department.

“State and county health officials have been on site to collect environmental water samples, which are being tested at the State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center, and Peregrine has posted signage, implemented water restrictions and installed shower filters at the facility,” the spokesperson said.

“We will continue to work with the facility and county health officials to protect the health and safety of the residents living at Peregrine.”

Fox News Digital reached out to Peregrine Senior Living requesting comment.

What is Legionnaires’ disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. 

The bacteria is usually found in lakes, streams and other freshwater environments.

However, it can grow and spread indoors via shower heads, sink faucets, hot tubs, water features/fountains, plumbing systems and other water systems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

When people swallow or breathe in droplets of water that contain Legionella, they can potentially become ill with the disease. “Legionellosis is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.” (iStock)

When people swallow or breathe in droplets of water that contain Legionella, they can potentially become ill with Legionnaires’ disease.

Although human transmission is possible in rare cases, the disease is not typically spread from person to person, per the CDC.

“Legionellosis is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person,” the New York State Department of Health confirmed to Fox News Digital. “It is not a communicable disease and there is no threat to the community at large.”

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Individuals at highest risk include smokers and those with coexisting pulmonary disease, according to Dr. Nathan Goodyear, medical director of Brio-Medical in Arizona, previously told Fox News Digital. 

“Other risk factors include advancing age, cardiovascular disease, obesity and compromised immune systems,” Goodyear previously told Fox News Digital.

Symptoms of the infection

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease usually show up between two and 14 days after exposure. 

The signs are similar to other types of pneumonia, and include the following:

• Cough
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle aches and headaches

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and headaches. (iStock)

Some patients may also experience nausea, diarrhea and confusion, the CDC noted. 

“The nature of the symptoms is not necessarily what differentiate Legionella from other causes, but history of exposure from ‘human-made reservoirs,’ though this may be hard to discern early on in infection and/or in an outbreak,” said Goodyear.

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“Cancer is also a comorbidity of Legionnaires’ disease,” the doctor added.

Those who have any of these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, the CDC advises.

Diagnosis, treatment and prevention

Diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease is made via chest X-ray, urine test and lab analysis of a phlegm sample.

Most people with the disease will recover with a course of antibiotics.

In some patients, however, serious illness can lead to lung failure or death, per the CDC.

Diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease is made via chest X-ray, urine test and lab analysis of a phlegm sample. (iStock)

Around 10% of people who contract Legionnaires’ disease will die from those complications — and the mortality risk rises to 25% for those who get Legionnaires’ while staying in a health care facility, according to the CDC.

“Treatment needs to be early and aggressive,” Goodyear told Fox News Digital. “Legionella infection is an intracellular infection that requires antibiotic treatment.”

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Antibiotics that are appropriate for Legionella infection include Levofloxacin and Azithromycin. 

“Therapy can be prescribed orally in healthy individuals … but intravenous antibiotics often prove to be the initial option for treatment secondary to the pathogenicity of the disease,” Goodyear said.

Around 10% of people who contract Legionnaires’ disease will die from complications, according to the CDC.

Currently, there are no vaccines for the disease. 

The best strategy to prevent infection is to reduce the growth and spread of the Legionella bacteria.

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The CDC recommends that building owners and managers use a water management program to reduce the risk.

Most people with the disease will recover with a course of antibiotics. (iStock)

To prevent serious illness from Legionnaires’, Goodyear recommends that all smokers kick the habit, and also emphasizes the need to “aggressively support” chronic pulmonary disease.

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“Advancing age is a given in life, and immune dysfunction correlates with advancing age,” added Goodyear. 

“Increasing immune support (vitamin D3, vitamin C, Zinc) is required to counter the immune dysfunction associated with advancing age.”

Obesity is another foundational risk factor for all chronic inflammatory diseases, Goodyear noted.

Anyone who has questions about legionella can visit the Albany County Department of Health’s website at www.albanycountyny.gov/departments/health/legionnaires-disease-legionellosis.