Wearable tech is being taken to another level, from Apple Watches and FitBits to a new wonder bra.
Scientists at Universidad Nacional de Colombia have invented a bra fitted with infra-red sensors that can detect breast cancer, according to Teen Vogue. It works by detecting breast temperature, as areas with cancerous cells are hotter than other areas due to the body sending extra blood there. If the bra detects irregular temperatures, it will let the wearer know. This could be a breakthrough in helping women detect breast cancer in its early stages.
“We don’t want to replace a doctor’s job,” researcher Maria Jaramillo told Fusion. “The idea is to develop a technique that will help with [early] detection.”
After wearing the bra for a few mintues, a light comes on to show if your breast temperature is normal or not. A green light means that it is, while a yellow light means you have to try again. A red light doesn’t actually mean you have cancer, but it does mean you should see your doctor. The bra even includes a small chip which records its findings so doctors can analyze the readings.
The bra is still being tested and doesn’t have a release date or even an official name, but researchers told Fusion they are hoping to have the bra on the market at an affordable price soon.