Engineers at the University of California, Berkeley have developed a way to create silicon microneedles — using the same lithographic techniques used to create computer processors — which can be used to create continuous monitoring devices for diabetics that don’t require finger sticking or sub-dermally planted sensors. The microneedles sit on top of the skin, penetrating deeply enough to reach the fluid between cells (which can be tested for blood sugar levels), but not deeply enough to hit nerves or blood vessels. UC Berkeley is negotiating deals to license the microneedles to medical equipment manufacturers.
Read [TechnologyReview]
