What a fascinating concept.
EPFL students teamed up with startup IcosaMed to develop the SmartBra—the first piece of smart clothing that can be used for cancer prevention.
Unlike existing cancer-detection technology that uses radiation, IcosaMed's technology emits ultrasound waves—like those employed in high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPU) – to perform echography scans for potentially cancerous cells. The ultrasound waves are generated using piezoelectric sensors, which are devices that run on energy generated when pressure is applied to a piezoelectric material. "This technology is what allows us to miniaturize the SmartBra's detection system so that it's still comfortable to wear and nearly imperceptible," says Vuillet. If the system detects a suspicious mass of cells, it will alert the wearer so that she can schedule an appointment with a specialist.
The SmartBra will initially be sold to women who have already been diagnosed with cancer, so that they can monitor their condition on a daily basis. Then the target market will be expanded to include women with a genetic predisposition to developing cancer. Eventually the SmartBra will be marketed to all women.
(https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-04-smart-bra-early-stage-breast-cancer.html)
How cool would that be? And I don't even wear a bra!
I've said it before, and I'll say it again.
The innovative/creative ideas that come from the human mind are so freakin' amazing. And the advances in technology are spellbinding.
Grace & Peace & Love to you all -
Matt
p.s. on the topic of cancer prevention bras, I found this article from 2013:
https://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/stories/smart-bra-finds-breast-cancer-long-before-mammogram