People with a chronic illness who now need regular hospital check-ups could soon be doing the blood tests at home with a battery-powered kit the size of a credit card. Patients use a tiny spring-loaded pin to prick their finger, and squeeze a spot of blood onto enzyme-coated electrodes in the card. The enzymes cause glucose or cholesterol in the blood to react and release ions, reducing the electrical resistance of the blood. Any telltale increase in current flowing between the electrodes is then recorded by a chip in the card. After running the test, the patient posts the chip…
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
US government wants to have a useful quantum computer by 2028
News
Life
Childbirth for many primate species is even harder than for humans
News
Humans
Humans sleep the least of all apes – is it the secret to our success?
Features
91É«ÇéƬ
Your menstrual cycle may affect how well vaccines work
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Where, when and how to watch the 2026 solar eclipse
2
Our verdict on The Selfish Gene: An unpopular piece of popular science
3
We’ve uncovered a master gene that switches on human development
4
Humans sleep the least of all apes – is it the secret to our success?
5
Remote-controlled cockroach swarm can now breathe underwater
6
Woman with Alzheimer's starts conversing again after taking psilocybin
7
Screwworm could be the first species targeted by an 'extinction drive'
8
The challenges of writing from the perspective of a sex robot
9
If you aren't terrified by this heatwave, you should be
10
The best sci-fi novel in 2026 so far – plus 6 other great reads
