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A new type of transparent wearable sensor may offer a practical way to monitor ultraviolet A (UVA) exposure, helping users avoid sun damage without needing bulky equipment or constant guesswork.
Developed by researchers in South Korea, the device is designed to continuously track UVA radiation—part of the ultraviolet spectrum responsible for long-term skin damage. Unlike existing sensors, which tend to be opaque and limited in scope, this sensor is thin, flexible, and nearly invisible, making it well-suited for integration into everyday wearables.
UVA radiation, which penetrates deeper into the skin than UVB, is a major contributor to premature aging and skin cancer. While protective clothing and sunscreen offer some defense, real-time data on UVA exposure could allow for more precise, proactive protection—particularly for individuals working outdoors or with heightened sensitivity to UV light.
According to TechXplore, the sensor is built from a transparent glass base layered with oxide semiconductors that selectively detect UVA rays. A transparent conductive film made of indium tin oxide serves as the electrical interface. Together, these materials ensure the device remains optically clear while performing its sensing function.
To enable wireless communication, the sensor connects to a compact electronic module that includes a signal amplifier and a Bluetooth transmitter. As UVA is detected, the data is sent in real time to a paired smartphone app, where it calculates cumulative exposure and issues alerts when levels approach potentially harmful thresholds.
Field testing showed promising results. The device was exposed to a range of outdoor lighting conditions—sunny and cloudy—and performed on par with professional-grade UV meters. During tests, users received warnings when their UVA exposure reached 80% of the estimated sunburn threshold.
Although not yet commercially available, the sensor’s transparent design and accurate data collection open up possibilities for integration into items like glasses, wristbands, and adhesive skin patches. Future development will focus on reducing the size of the electronics and validating long-term durability under everyday use.
With additional refinement, the technology could support personalized sun safety for high-risk users and contribute to broader efforts in skin cancer prevention.
The research was published in the Science Advances Journal.
