Wearable sensors that detect body odors to identify diseases

High performance wearable body odor sensor arrays for disease detection and monitoring

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11100008

This study is testing a new wearable device that can sniff out body odors to help spot and keep track of over 20 different diseases, making it easier for people to get health information right in their daily lives.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11100008 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a wearable device that can analyze body odors to detect and monitor over 20 different diseases. By integrating advanced micro-gas chromatography with a graphene-based electronic nose, the device aims to provide accurate and timely diagnostic information. The technology will allow for the separation and identification of skin-emitted vapors, making it easier to recognize specific patterns associated with various health conditions. This innovative approach seeks to make disease detection more accessible and efficient for patients in everyday settings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing symptoms related to the targeted diseases or those at risk for these conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with diseases that do not have identifiable odors or those who are not experiencing any symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a non-invasive method for early disease detection and monitoring, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using electronic nose technologies for disease detection, but this specific approach with wearable micro-GC is novel.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.