Scientists at the Institute of Semiconductor Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences have created a wearable sensor that can be attached to the arm to measure stress levels through the skin. The device provides increased sensitivity to cortisol concentration and other stress indicators in sweat. According to the researchers, continuous stress monitoring is essential for early detection of serious conditions, lifestyle adjustments, and maintaining mental and emotional health. It is noted that previous innovative sensors were characterized by low sensitivity to cortisol concentration, making it impossible to accurately track changes in the psycho-emotional state in real time. Moreover, they were either technically complex and expensive or relied on indirect indicators (such as skin conductivity) and additional components (antibodies), which reduced their effectiveness. The new innovation aims to solve this problem by creating a highly efficient, inexpensive, and technologically simple to manufacture and use sensor that is attached to the skin to monitor a person's psycho-emotional state over time, using electrical conductivity as the technical means. Scientists managed to increase the sensor's sensitivity to the hormone cortisol using a very thin layer of semiconductors. The device consists of a flexible substrate coated with a sensitive layer of a composite conductive material made of graphene, an organic polymer, and ethylene glycol, which reduces electrical resistance, thereby increasing the sensor's sensitivity.
