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Researchers invent new health tracker for pets
The sensor could help turn findings from sniffer dogs into measurable data.

Sensor can detect vital signs through fur and up to four layers of clothing

A new health tracker sensor that can detect vital signs through fur or clothing has been developed by researchers at Imperial College London.


Researchers say the sensor, which can detect heart and breathing rates through fur and up to four layers of clothing, ‘could help make everyday wearables for pets and livestock a reality’.


It has been developed to help owners monitor their pets’ health and assist vets during surgery, without the need for shaving. The tracker could also be used to help improve the work of sniffer dogs and measure vital signs in humans without having direct contact with the skin.

The sensor is made out of a water and silicone material that houses a microphone that can detect sound waves. 


Scientists say that it works like a ‘watery, squishy stethoscope’ - sticking tightly to the fur so that no air bubbles can get in and suppress the sound. The sound is then transmitted to a nearby portable computer so that the animal’s vital signs can be viewed in real-time.

Researchers hope the sensor could help turn findings from sniffer dogs into measurable data. 


When sniffer dogs alert to bombs, their heart and breathing rate increase. Scientists say the new sensor could establish baselines of normal heart and breathing rates from which to quantify the level excitement for each dog, and therefore work out how certain the dog is of its discovery.

So far, the sensor has only been tested on dogs and humans, but the researchers aim to adapt them for use on other animals, including livestock and horses. They are also integrating motion sensors so they can track an animal’s movement in real-time.


“Wearables are expected to play a major role in monitoring health and detecting diseases early,” explained lead author Dr Firat Guder, of Imperial’s Department of Bioengineering. “Our stretchy, flexible invention heralds a whole new type of sensor that can track the health of animals and humans alike over fur or clothing.”


The research on this new sensor is published in the journal, Advanced Functional Materials.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.