Sun-sensing 'smart' paper promises new shield against Aussie sun
A small piece of paper could prove a major defensive weapon in Australia’s age-old battle against the sun and skin cancer.
Researchers from two Sydney universities were due to report the development of a “smart” paper patch which promises to alert wearers when they have been in the sun too long.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales have been working on the sensor patches, which are in effect small pieces of paper that change colour depending on the danger the sun is posing.
The newspaper said the patches were due to be announced alongside other new technologies to measure air contamination.
UNSW Scientia Professor Justin Gooding told Fairfax Media the smart patches were a cost effective, and easy to make product which could quickly make its way to shop shelves.
"As you know we put the sunscreen on and we believe it works and we get told that we have to reapply it, but we don't really know if we've received too much sun or not and we don't really know if it's a good idea to get out of the sun," Prof Goodings said.
The patches contain high-tech ink that begins to fade as the risk of burning rises. Prof Gooding said it would prove particularly useful for parents trying to gauge their children’s exposure.
The researchers will announce the NSW Smart Sensing Network developments alongside other technology, which will be rolled out to measure pollution near rail corridors.
But while the sun sensing patches could be rolled out quickly, they are not likely to be spotted on beaches this year.
