Wearable Sensors to Predict Heat Illness in Hot Environments
Sensor Hardware and Intelligent Tools for Assessing the Health Effects of Heat Exposure
This project is creating smart wearable sensors to help agricultural workers stay safe from heat illness and dehydration in hot environments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128546 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many agricultural workers face high risks of heat illness and dehydration because of their jobs in hot, humid conditions. These conditions can quickly become dangerous, leading to confusion and making it hard for workers to get help. This project aims to develop a soft, wearable patch with tiny sensors that can track important body signals like skin temperature, heart rate, and hydration in real-time. It will also use smart computer programs to analyze this data and provide early warnings about potential heat-related problems, helping to protect vulnerable individuals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is particularly relevant for agricultural workers and others who regularly work in hot, humid outdoor environments.
Not a fit: Individuals who are not regularly exposed to extreme heat or do not work in physically demanding outdoor occupations may not directly benefit from this specific technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could provide early warnings to workers, helping them prevent severe heat illness and dehydration before it becomes critical.
How similar studies have performed: While wearable sensors exist, this project focuses on developing novel multi-modal nanoscale sensors and advanced machine learning algorithms for real-time prediction of heat-related illness.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hertzberg, Vicki Stover — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Hertzberg, Vicki Stover
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.