Bandages That Detect Infection And Change Colour

Remember mood rings? Blue was mellow, black was sad, white was pensive.

They were fun while they lasted, but it's safe to say that those tacky little mood detectors are outdated now. Fortunately, though, the colour changing concept is back in a way that may prove to be quite beneficial to those of us who are accident prone.

German researchers have developed a dye for bandages that change colour when a sealed wound is infected. The pH value is detected under the skin and when it deviates from the typical value of 5 or below, to between 6.5 and 8.5 you're given a warning. If the indicator strip turns purple, this means the skin is infected and there are complications in the healing process.

The ability to spot an infection before it has time to worsen could be a big step forward in medical technology if used on a larger scale, such as in hospitals.

For now the good news is that the slice in your thumb from chopping tomatoes is going to be a lot easier to track - that is, if it ever hits the shelves of your local pharmacy.The scientists at the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Modular Solid State Technologies EMFT in Munich are still in the testing stage of the innovative idea, but if you see a box of 'Mood Wounds' anytime in the near future, remember you heard it here first! And pray it doesn't change colour.

Courtney Gilmour
		About the author:
		Courtney is a published writer, stand-up comic, and shameless Internet enthusiast. She holds a double bachelors degree in English Literature and Communication Media Studies, specializing in semiotic theory, however she doesn't get Shakespeare and has never won a game of Scrabble. Currently she lives in Toronto and works as a writer for WOMAN.CA.
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