Noninvasive blood glucose testing is among the new Apple Watch tech that reportedly reaches 'Proof-of Concept' stage

• Apple is working on noninvasive blood glucose testing tech for its watch.
• Also, Apple Watch researchers explore new frontiers in heart health.

Apple is a leader in smart wearable tech, and consistently refining and enhancing its Watch series to break the barriers. As per a recent report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple has achieved significant advancements in non-invasive blood glucose monitoring technology. The company plans to integrate this feature into future Apple Watch models, enabling diabetics and other users to check their blood glucose levels without skin pricking or blood testing.

Furthermore, an article released by Apple showcased the groundbreaking efforts of health researchers worldwide who are utilizing the Apple Watch to explore new approaches to studying the heart.

Apple's noninvasive blood glucose technology

Apple is working on a silicon photonics chip that utilizes optical absorption spectroscopy to shine light from a laser through the skin to determine glucose concentration levels in the body without the need for blood. While the technology is in a "proof-of-concept" phase, it is currently the size of an iPhone and can be affixed to an individual's arm. Apple collaborated with TSMC to create the primary chip for the prototype but previously partnered with Rockley Photonics to design sensors and chips for glucose monitoring.

Rockley Photonics, which listed Apple as its primary customer in regulatory filings, unveiled a digital sensor system in 2021 that could track body temperature, blood pressure, glucose trends, hydration, lactate, alcohol, and other metrics. However, Apple terminated the relationship. The technology needs to be condensed to a wearable size to be practical.

Apple Watch ECG app to detect abnormal heart rhythms

Researchers at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne, including Associate Professor Rachel Conyers and Dr. Claudia Toro, are studying the toxicities of children’s cancer treatments and their effects on heart rhythm. They aim to identify novel interventions to mitigate these effects.

To this end, Dr. Conyers and her team will be testing the sensitivity of the Apple Watch ECG app in 40 children and adolescents over the coming months. The researchers plan to enable patients to take ECGs anytime and anywhere using the app and other tools. By gathering these data, they hope to gain insights into cardiac toxicity and identify opportunities for intervention.

The study can potentially improve the care of young cancer patients by helping clinicians monitor their heart health more closely and intervene early if necessary.

The study aims to monitor a range of health factors, including heart rate, rhythm, and sleep, blood oxygen levels and other metrics.

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