'Tattoos' With a Purpose

TKOjams · 08-08-2012, 09:58 AM

I'm a type 1 diabetic, I wouldn't think twice about getteing one if deemed safe

HEALTHY FOREVER & EVER: Nano Ink 'Tattoo' Could Monitor Diabetes

Nano Ink 'Tattoo' Could Monitor Diabetes
Thank you Eric Bland, Discovery News

A special tattoo ink that changes color based on glucose levels inside the skin is under development by Massachusetts-based Draper Laboratories. The injectable nanotech ink could eventually free diabetics from painful blood glucose tests.

"It doesn't have to be a large, over-the-shoulder kind of tattoo," said Heather Clark, a scientist at Draper. "It would only have to be a few millimeters in size and wouldn't have to go as deep as a normal tattoo."

Clark and her colleagues didn't set out to create a glucose-detecting ink.

"At first I didn't even think it was possible," said Clark.

Originally the scientists developed a sodium-sensitive ink to monitor heart health, advancing basic knowledge of electrolytes in the body, or to ensure athletes are properly hydrated.

'Tattoos' With a Purpose

Monitoring a single ion is easier than a complex molecule made of 24 atoms however. After speaking with a colleague, Clark decided to give glucose detection a try.

She started with the basic three-part system to detect sodium and modified to detect glucose. The nano ink particles are tiny, squishy spheres about 120 nanometers across. Inside the sphere are three parts: the glucose detecting molecule, a color-changing dye, and another molecule that mimics glucose. When the particles are dissolved in water they look like food coloring, says Clark.

The three parts continuously move around the inside the hydrophobic orb. When they approach the surface, the glucose detecting molecule either grabs a molecule of glucose or the mimicking molecule.

If the molecules mostly latch onto glucose, the ink appears yellow. If glucose levels are low, the molecule latches onto the glucose mimic, turning the ink purple. A healthy level of glucose has a "funny orangey," color, according to Clark. The sampling process repeats itself every few milliseconds.

Time measured in milliseconds is much faster than then most current blood testing systems, and certainly less painful. But is it as accurate?

Glucose levels in the skin, where the ink would be injected subcutaneously, might not necessarily reflect the more critical measurement of glucose levels in the blood. Some studies show that skin glucose levels can lag up to 20 minutes behind blood glucose levels, while other show a much faster change.

"It's an interesting question," said Clark. "It's one that we might even be able to help answer."

Even if there is a significant lag time between blood and skin glucose levels, a small tattoo, in the several square millimeter range, according to Clark, would let diabetics know if an abnormally high or low reading was either returning to a normal level or getting worse.

Initial tests of the sodium-detecting ink in mice have had "spectacular" results, according to Clark. Testing the glucose monitoring nanotech ink in mice could begin by the end of this month.

Consumers will have to wait. Clark estimates that it will be at least two years before the necessary human testing is complete to bring the ink to the market.

Robert Rubin, a professor at Harvard Medical School, is excited by Clark's work at Draper.

"This will give me a great short cut for understanding what is happening inside the body," said Rubin.

TOMMYTHUNDERS · 08-08-2012, 10:09 AM

how about a purpose like it simultaneously lets people know you're a super cool dude AND that you love barbed wire?

FennRx · 08-08-2012, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TOMMYTHUNDERS

how about a purpose like it simultaneously lets people know you're a super cool dude AND that you love barbed wire?

TKOjams · 08-08-2012, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TOMMYTHUNDERS

how about a purpose like it simultaneously lets people know you're a super cool dude AND that you love barbed wire?

Well, if you love barbed wire, sure

Joeydego · 08-08-2012, 10:13 AM

How about a popeye with his sack hanging out and his nuts go from tan to blue? Popeyes got blueballs, better take some insulin..........

Jim · 08-08-2012, 10:22 AM

I studied this in my freshman year Biology class. I spent a lot of time researching them and the consensus was, they are safe and effective.

Not to mention badass.

TOMMYTHUNDERS · 08-08-2012, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joeydego

Popeyes got blueballs, better take some insulin..........

shout this in a crowded restaurant to receive strange looks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim

I studied this in my freshman year Biology class. I spent a lot of time researching them and the consensus was, they are safe and effective.

Not to mention badass.

don't worry everyone, a high school freshman biology class determined that these are safe and effective! we can now bypass any further clinical trials!

well, that's a load off my mind!

Jim · 08-08-2012, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TOMMYTHUNDERS

shout this in a crowded restaurant to receive strange looks.

don't worry everyone, a high school freshman biology class determined that these are safe and effective! we can now bypass any further clinical trials!

well, that's a load off my mind!

I'm glad

I'm not sure how high school was in your day, but we do lab research with technicians from Harvard in our honors program.

I think it's trustworthy data

TOMMYTHUNDERS · 08-08-2012, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim

I'm glad

I'm not sure how high school was in your day, but we do lab research with technicians from Harvard in our honors program.

I think it's trustworthy data

whoa, meaningful research is now being conducted at the high school level, someone get EJ Corey on the phone!

Jim · 08-08-2012, 10:29 AM

Harvard is an ivy league college...

TOMMYTHUNDERS · 08-08-2012, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim

Harvard is an ivy league college...

sometimes rain falls from the sky.

Jim · 08-08-2012, 10:33 AM

Good observation

TOMMYTHUNDERS · 08-08-2012, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim

Good observation

you too.

btw, when you mentioned (rightfully) that you had more accomplishments in your 16 years on the planet than i have in my whole life were you counting this revolutionary freshman in high school level biology research among them?

because, i personally don't think you're getting enough recognition for it.

is t.thunds gonna be emailing the nobel committee on your behalf?.... looooooks like it!

PABassPlayer · 08-08-2012, 10:46 AM

Where do I sign up?!

garweft · 08-08-2012, 11:32 AM

PABassPlayer · 08-08-2012, 11:37 AM

I'd want mine in the shape of a blood drip!!!!

DHBucker · 08-08-2012, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim

I studied this in my freshman year Biology class. I spent a lot of time researching them and the consensus was, they are safe and effective.

Not to mention badass.

You mean Popeye's balls? I say we go ask Olive!

SFK · 08-08-2012, 11:45 AM

DHBucker · 08-08-2012, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TOMMYTHUNDERS

whoa, meaningful research is now being conducted at the high school level, someone get EJ Corey on the phone!

acstorfer · 08-08-2012, 11:48 AM

Tramp stamps serve a purpose!

DHBucker · 08-08-2012, 11:50 AM

Yeah, they tell you who you DON'T wanna roll with....

Bluesky · 08-08-2012, 11:51 AM

HEALTHY FOREVER & EVER: Nano Ink 'Tattoo' Could Monitor Diabetes

Could You get it in the shape of a Sugar Cookie?

yawny · 08-08-2012, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim

I'm glad

I'm not sure how high school was in your day, but we do lab research with technicians from Harvard in our honors program.

I think it's trustworthy data

That isn't even how high school is now. What kind of crazy expensive East Coast prep school do you go to?

DHBucker · 08-08-2012, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TKOjams

Well, if you love barbed wire, sure

http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/...***+A+Punk.jpg

Yep, The barb Wire Dolls. Much to like there...

TKOjams · 08-08-2012, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acstorfer

Tramp stamps serve a purpose!

didn't they always?

TKOjams · 08-08-2012, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluesky

HEALTHY FOREVER & EVER: Nano Ink 'Tattoo' Could Monitor Diabetes

Could You get it in the shape of a Sugar Cookie?

Jim · 08-08-2012, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yawny

That isn't even how high school is now. What kind of crazy expensive East Coast prep school do you go to?

I go to my town's public school.

We just work in conjunction with them and multiple other colleges, collecting data for them.

They're just outsourcing to us.

We did a 9-month study on wildlife and the environment of vernal pools and collected a lot of data that was published in a scientific journal.

yawny · 08-08-2012, 12:49 PM

So it's not really research as much as it is "data collection"

Jim · 08-08-2012, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yawny

So it's not really research as much as it is "data collection"

For the vernal pool it was data collection.

We actually test tattoos on analogs and did research as to how and why we could make them more efficient.

Hack · 08-08-2012, 12:54 PM

I wonder if Mr. Cool Ice is diabetic.

08-08-2012, 09:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
TKOjams Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Connecticut Posts: 9,589 Thanks: 92 Thanked 177 Times in 54 Posts	'Tattoos' With a Purpose I'm a type 1 diabetic, I wouldn't think twice about getteing one if deemed safe HEALTHY FOREVER & EVER: Nano Ink 'Tattoo' Could Monitor Diabetes Nano Ink 'Tattoo' Could Monitor Diabetes Thank you Eric Bland, Discovery News A special tattoo ink that changes color based on glucose levels inside the skin is under development by Massachusetts-based Draper Laboratories. The injectable nanotech ink could eventually free diabetics from painful blood glucose tests. "It doesn't have to be a large, over-the-shoulder kind of tattoo," said Heather Clark, a scientist at Draper. "It would only have to be a few millimeters in size and wouldn't have to go as deep as a normal tattoo." Clark and her colleagues didn't set out to create a glucose-detecting ink. "At first I didn't even think it was possible," said Clark. Originally the scientists developed a sodium-sensitive ink to monitor heart health, advancing basic knowledge of electrolytes in the body, or to ensure athletes are properly hydrated. 'Tattoos' With a Purpose Monitoring a single ion is easier than a complex molecule made of 24 atoms however. After speaking with a colleague, Clark decided to give glucose detection a try. She started with the basic three-part system to detect sodium and modified to detect glucose. The nano ink particles are tiny, squishy spheres about 120 nanometers across. Inside the sphere are three parts: the glucose detecting molecule, a color-changing dye, and another molecule that mimics glucose. When the particles are dissolved in water they look like food coloring, says Clark. The three parts continuously move around the inside the hydrophobic orb. When they approach the surface, the glucose detecting molecule either grabs a molecule of glucose or the mimicking molecule. If the molecules mostly latch onto glucose, the ink appears yellow. If glucose levels are low, the molecule latches onto the glucose mimic, turning the ink purple. A healthy level of glucose has a "funny orangey," color, according to Clark. The sampling process repeats itself every few milliseconds. Time measured in milliseconds is much faster than then most current blood testing systems, and certainly less painful. But is it as accurate? Glucose levels in the skin, where the ink would be injected subcutaneously, might not necessarily reflect the more critical measurement of glucose levels in the blood. Some studies show that skin glucose levels can lag up to 20 minutes behind blood glucose levels, while other show a much faster change. "It's an interesting question," said Clark. "It's one that we might even be able to help answer." Even if there is a significant lag time between blood and skin glucose levels, a small tattoo, in the several square millimeter range, according to Clark, would let diabetics know if an abnormally high or low reading was either returning to a normal level or getting worse. Initial tests of the sodium-detecting ink in mice have had "spectacular" results, according to Clark. Testing the glucose monitoring nanotech ink in mice could begin by the end of this month. Consumers will have to wait. Clark estimates that it will be at least two years before the necessary human testing is complete to bring the ink to the market. Robert Rubin, a professor at Harvard Medical School, is excited by Clark's work at Draper. "This will give me a great short cut for understanding what is happening inside the body," said Rubin. Stratottack likes this. __________________ Flametop Special Build - Carvetop Doublecut Build - '57 Custom BB Replica Build - '56-ish Flame Top Build - Boudreau Celia build - Lefty Walnut Les Paul Build

08-08-2012, 10:13 AM	#5 (permalink)
Joeydego V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: NY NY Posts: 15,230 Thanks: 208 Thanked 734 Times in 173 Posts	Re: 'Tattoos' With a Purpose How about a popeye with his sack hanging out and his nuts go from tan to blue? Popeyes got blueballs, better take some insulin.......... Deftone, Drew224 and Jim like this.

08-08-2012, 10:22 AM	#6 (permalink)
Jim Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 2,234 Thanks: 40 Thanked 28 Times in 12 Posts	Re: 'Tattoos' With a Purpose I studied this in my freshman year Biology class. I spent a lot of time researching them and the consensus was, they are safe and effective. Not to mention badass. __________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific." -Lily Tomlin -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

08-08-2012, 10:29 AM	#10 (permalink)
Jim Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 2,234 Thanks: 40 Thanked 28 Times in 12 Posts	Re: 'Tattoos' With a Purpose Harvard is an ivy league college... __________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific." -Lily Tomlin -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

08-08-2012, 10:33 AM	#12 (permalink)
Jim Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 2,234 Thanks: 40 Thanked 28 Times in 12 Posts	Re: 'Tattoos' With a Purpose Good observation __________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific." -Lily Tomlin -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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08-08-2012, 10:46 AM	#14 (permalink)
PABassPlayer Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philly area Posts: 2,760 Thanks: 17 Thanked 178 Times in 54 Posts	Re: 'Tattoos' With a Purpose Where do I sign up?! Jim likes this. __________________ Be vewy, vewy quiet... I'm hunt'n Wabbits!!!

08-08-2012, 11:32 AM	#15 (permalink)
garweft In it to win it!!! Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 1,736 Thanks: 33 Thanked 24 Times in 11 Posts	Re: 'Tattoos' With a Purpose TOMMYTHUNDERS likes this.

08-08-2012, 11:37 AM	#16 (permalink)
PABassPlayer Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philly area Posts: 2,760 Thanks: 17 Thanked 178 Times in 54 Posts	Re: 'Tattoos' With a Purpose I'd want mine in the shape of a blood drip!!!! __________________ Be vewy, vewy quiet... I'm hunt'n Wabbits!!!

08-08-2012, 11:45 AM	#18 (permalink)
SFK V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: NW OH Posts: 5,693 Thanks: 337 Thanked 157 Times in 57 Posts	Re: 'Tattoos' With a Purpose __________________ MY SOUNDCLICK NOODLINGS http://www.soundclick.com/bands/defa...&content=music Last edited by SFK; 08-08-2012 at 02:23 PM.

08-08-2012, 11:48 AM	#20 (permalink)
acstorfer Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Antonio, Florida Posts: 9,430 Thanks: 163 Thanked 235 Times in 65 Posts	Re: 'Tattoos' With a Purpose Tramp stamps serve a purpose! __________________ Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and you just cost him a six pack a day!

08-08-2012, 11:50 AM	#21 (permalink)
DHBucker Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Gateway of the South Posts: 1,900 Thanks: 160 Thanked 7 Times in 4 Posts	Re: 'Tattoos' With a Purpose Yeah, they tell you who you DON'T wanna roll with.... __________________ "Slow down Joe, I'm a Rock and Roll man! I've twiddled my thumbs in a dozen odd bands, and you ain't seen nothing till you've been, in a motel baby like the Holiday Inn." Elton "As the man says, all the southern children like to Rock and Roll." Chris Robinson at The Tabernacle, Atlanta GA "Oh good heavens baby where is my medicine? Well I must have left it outside with my ettiquette." Chris Robinson

08-08-2012, 11:51 AM	#22 (permalink)
Bluesky Banned Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 5,658 Thanks: 14 Thanked 106 Times in 69 Posts	Re: 'Tattoos' With a Purpose HEALTHY FOREVER & EVER: Nano Ink 'Tattoo' Could Monitor Diabetes Could You get it in the shape of a Sugar Cookie?

08-08-2012, 12:54 PM	#30 (permalink)
Hack Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: In the middle of the woods. Oklahoma Posts: 10,850 Thanks: 303 Thanked 178 Times in 33 Posts	Re: 'Tattoos' With a Purpose I wonder if Mr. Cool Ice is diabetic. Leumas and AleisterCrowley like this. __________________ The water is rising up on me. Thought the sun would come deliver me, but the truth has come to punish me instead.

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