These fancy smart earrings can monitor your temperature

In a study involving six participants, researchers discovered that the Thermal Earring was more effective than smartwatches at measuring skin temperature during relaxation periods. It also showed potential in tracking stress indicators, dietary habits, physical activity, and ovulation patterns.

The innovative smart earring prototype, resembling a small paperclip in size and weight, boasts a 28-day battery lifespan. It employs a magnetic clip to attach a temperature sensor to the earlobe, with a secondary sensor extending about an inch below to gauge ambient temperature. The design allows for personalization through fashion elements like resin shapes or gemstones, which do not impede its functionality.

The findings were shared in the journal Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies, noting that the earrings are not yet available for purchase.

Qiuyue (Shirley) Xue, a doctoral candidate at the University of Washington's Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, highlighted the fashion-forward and comfortable alternative the earring represents to smartwatches. The earlobe's temperature, she explained, provides more accurate readings than those from hands or wrists, benefiting from the dual-sensor design that distinguishes between body and room temperatures.

Balancing the device's small size with long battery life and wireless functionality posed a significant engineering challenge, according to Yujia (Nancy) Liu, a former master's student at the university and now at the University of California San Diego. Achieving low power consumption was essential, especially to accommodate a Bluetooth chip, battery, sensors, and antenna without frequent recharging.

The research team also delved into new territories with the Thermal Earring, examining its application in continuous fever monitoring. In a small-scale study, they observed a notable temperature increase in feverish patients compared to healthy individuals, underscoring the device's potential for medical monitoring.

Mastafa Springston, a clinical instructor and co-author, emphasized the importance of continuous temperature monitoring in medical treatments, noting the earring's utility in tracking fever patterns.

Further small-scale tests revealed the earring's capability to detect temperature changes associated with various physical states and activities, including stress and exercise. Its precision in temperature measurement suggests it could be helpful for menstrual cycle and ovulation tracking, offering a more reliable alternative to existing wearables, which only provide average daily temperatures.

Despite the promising applications of the Thermal Earring, the research is at an early stage, with more data and testing required before it can be made widely available. Future developments may include integrating additional health monitoring features, such as heart rate and activity tracking, with Xue expressing interest in creating a comprehensive health monitoring jewelry set.

The study received funding from the Washington Research Foundation, signaling continued interest and investment in wearable technology that combines health monitoring with fashion.