LAWRENCE, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 30, 2017 / Most of us have already have been impacted by the Internet of Things (IoT). Wearable physiological sensors such as Fitbit wristbands and a host of associated apps contribute to fitness routines, as well as diet and health programmes. Now it seems the applications could go much further when it comes to health and wellbeing. Frank Magliochetti, a managing partner at Parcae Capital, a company that offers investment banking services to emerging companies, says a new wave of portable biosensors could revolutionize the healthcare industry. While these devices are already used to monitor parameters such as blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate and muscle activity, a number of enterprising start-ups are researching innovative new applications that could detect the early signs of disease.

What's most exciting, explains Magliochetti, is the way in which the technology has shifted from simply monitoring physiological functions to identifying changes in the human body as a result of certain health conditions. A study, published in PLOS Biology, demonstrated that wearable biosensors are already able to detect abnormal signals of disease before symptoms appear. The goal now is wirelessly connect patients with care providers to monitor their health and intervene as needed - all while the patient goes about their normal day-to-day routine. Google, for instance, has acquired Senosis Health, a healthcare start-up that uses Smartphone technology to diagnose health ailments. Using an LED light attachment called Bilicam, HemaApp measures haemoglobin using a Smartphone camera without the need to draw blood. It's just one instance of an emerging range of apps known as 'digital therapeutics' that not only diagnose and monitor patients, but help users adhere to healthcare regimes, while also sending data to medical professionals that provides insights that can lead to better treatment. Another example of 'digitizing the delivery of healthcare' comes from Hinge Health, a start-up focusing on musculoskeletal disorders. Having accumulated data from wearable sensors on 1,000 patients, the company claims to have achieved a 55% reduction in chronic lower back and knee pain, reducing the need for surgery by 60%.

Healthcare expert, Frank Magliochetti, asserts that new advancements in miniature circuits, micro-controller functionality and wireless data transmission means the applications for wearable sensors are endless. As well as being incorporated into various parts of the body, these biosensors are finding their way into wristbands, hats, shoes, socks and eyeglasses. In the near future, GPs may have the ability to take preventative measures before patients notice symptoms of illness.