Researchers at Tyndall National Institute, UCC, Cork, have developed a microchip sensor that can detect a person’s respiratory rate without any contact with the person under observation. The chip allows for constant monitoring of babies in cot beds, hospital patients and other people at risk of obstructive apneas including, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It can be used also for the early detection of sudden sleep of vehicle drivers. The sensor technology also enables several other important applications such as facilitating patients in being monitored in their home, with data sent in real-time to GPs and first-aid medical staff in hospitals.
