Get exclusive breakthroughs on sensors in IoT, energy, healthcare, and more, delivered straight to your inbox.
"IEEE Sensors Alert" is a new service of the IEEE Sensors Council. Started as one of its new initiatives, this weekly digest publishes teasers and condensed versions of our journal papers in layperson's language.
Articles Posted in the Month (May 2026)
High-Performance THz Nanometamaterial Absorber With Negative Permittivity (0.1–10 THz) for Early Cancer Detection via Circulating Exosomes
Author: Mohammad Alibakhshikenari, Hamza Musa, Islam Md. Shabiul, Islam Mohammad Tariqul, Farmani Ali, Iffat Naqvi Syeda, Koziel Slawomir, Lavadiya Sunil, Miah MD. Sipon, Panda Abinash, Parand Peiman, Sanches Bruno, Virdee Bal S., Ud Din Iftikhar
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 25, Issue: 18, September 2025)
Summary Contributed by: Anupama
Circulating exosomes are nanoscale vesicles secreted by cells that carry early cancer biomarkers in the blood. This paper introduces a high-performance terahertz (THz) nanometamaterial absorber with negative permittivity across 0.1-10 THz for ultrasensitive detection of cancerous circulating exosomes, distinguishing them from normal ones. The label-free approach demonstrates noninvasive, fast cancer detection with high sensitivity and precision, setting a new benchmark in biomedical sensing that could transform global oncology outcomes.
OmniSense v2: A Human-Skin-Inspired Visuotactile Sensor for Unified Tactile Imaging
Author: See Aaron Raymond, Tiong Thad Jacob T.
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 25, Issue: 22, November 2025)
Summary Contributed by: Aaron Raymond See (Author)
Human skin can simultaneously sense various stimuli through specialized receptors. OmniSense v2 incorporates these sensory features into a compact, human-skin-inspired visuotactile sensor. It delivers multimodal tactile imaging without reconfiguration through an engineered sensing skin, controlled illumination, and vision-based processing. This technology demonstrates the ability to capture fine details, accurately sense tangential force, and detect temperature-state, showing potential to replicate the sensitivity of human touch in robotics and smart devices.
A Terahertz Split Ring Resonator Nanosensor for Cardiac Biomarker Detection
Author: R Manjula, Datta Dr. Raja, Elayan Hadeel, Ghosh Anirban, Jornet Josep, Sharan Bhagwati
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 25, Issue: 18, September 2025)
Summary Contributed by: Hadeel Elayan (Author)
Can cardiac stress be sensed and detected wirelessly from within the heart? This study introduces a high-sensitivity terahertz split-ring resonator (SRR) for detecting a cardiac stress biomarker and establishes the first model of terahertz signal transmission across the pericardium. By combining nanoscale biosensing with intrabody propagation analysis, this research enables a comprehensive evaluation of wireless, implantable cardiac diagnostics, paving the way for early, efficient detection and improved cardiac care.
ISI Mitigation Using Neural Networks in Molecular Communication With an Imperfect Transmitter Between Bionanosensors
Author: Jing Dongliang, Chen Jiale, Eckford Andrew, Li Linjuan, Lin Lin, Zhao Jianchao
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 25, Issue: 24, December 2025)
Summary Contributed by: Dongliang Jing (Author)
Molecular communication (MC) promises ultra-small communication systems inspired by cellular interactions. However, random motions and persistent interference can obscure molecular signals, leading to inter-symbol interference (ISI) that distorts the information. This work demonstrates how modern neural networks can significantly improve detection accuracy, even with imperfect transmitters. By analysing complex signal patterns between bionanosensors, the approach improves reliability and accuracy, paving the way for advanced medical technologies and nano-enabled healthcare systems.
Development of a Terahertz Metamaterial Micro-Biosensor for Ultrasensitive Multispectral Detection of Early Stage Cervical Cancer
Author: Hamza Musa, Islam Md. Shabiul, Islam Mohammad Tariqul, Farmani Ali, Iffat Naqvi Syeda, Koziel Slawomir, Lavadiya Sunil, Sanches Bruno, Ud Din Iftikhar
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 24, Issue: 20, October 2024)
Summary Contributed by: Saurabh Dubey
Early detection of cervical cancer is crucial for saving lives. This paper introduces a terahertz (THz) metamaterial (MTM) based multi-band biosensor for early detection of cancerous tissue via spectral fingerprinting. The aluminum-on-polyimide sensor delivers high sensitivity and 99.8% peak absorption, effectively distinguishing healthy cervical cells from cancerous cells. Its compact, flexible design enables disposable lab-on-chip screening, potentially establishing multispectral THz absorption as the gold standard for noninvasive cancer diagnostics.
Machine Learning-Enhanced Flexible IL-6 Sensor for Rapid Threshold Detection
Author: Ploner Moritz, Antrack T., Bianchi Valentina, Boni Andrea, Canteri R., De Munari Ilaria, Lugli Paolo, Petti Luisa, Resnati D., Shkodra Bajramshahe, Stighezza M., Vanzetti L.
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 25, Issue: 23, December 2025)
Summary Contributed by: Moritz Ploner (Author)
Early detection of elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6), an important biomarker of inflammation, is essential for effectively managing inflammatory diseases. Conventional blood test methods are invasive and unsuitable for continuous monitoring. This paper introduces a conformable sweat-based sensor that integrates electrochemical sensing with machine learning to detect IL-6, which alerts when IL-6 reaches abnormal levels. This innovative approach enables rapid, more reliable real-time point-of-care diagnostics and improves wearable health monitoring systems.
Quantifying odor mixtures is essential for recording and reproducing specific odors. However, it poses challenges due to the cross-sensitivity of gas sensors. This work measured frequency shifts and resistance changes of multiple harmonics in a Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) sensor array. The approach significantly improved the selectivity of the sensors and accuracy in quantifying quaternary odor mixtures, opening prospects in environmental monitoring, healthcare diagnostics, food quality control, and artificial olfaction systems.
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 25, Issue: 21, November 2025)
Summary Contributed by: Federica Villa (Author)
Smart eyewear, or smart glasses, is an innovative wearable tech for unobtrusive health monitoring. However, most available smart eyewear has limited sensor integration and processing capabilities. This paper presents a standalone multisensor platform fully embedded into a standard eyewear frame, capable of tracking cardiorespiratory and activity metrics for over eight hours. It paves the way for comfortable, non-invasive, wearable health technology for early diagnosis and personalized real-time healthcare monitoring.
Development of a High-Sensitivity Triple-Band Nano-Biosensor Utilizing Petahertz Metamaterials for Optimal Absorption in Early-Stage Leukemia Detection
Author: Hamza Musa, Islam Md. Shabiul, Islam Mohammad Tariqul, Farmani Ali, Iffat Naqvi Syeda, Koziel Slawomir, Lavadiya Sunil, Sanches Bruno, Ud Din Iftikhar
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 25, Issue: 8, April 2025)
Summary Contributed by: Saurabh Dubey
An early detection of Leukemia, a life-threatening blood cancer, is critical for improving patient outcomes. However, current diagnostic methods, such as bone marrow biopsies, are invasive and time-consuming. This study presents a triple-band petahertz nano-biosensor designed for label-free detection of leukemia-related changes in blood samples. The proposed platform enables sensitive, noninvasive analysis through distinct electromagnetic signatures. This technology supports rapid screening, lab-on-chip integration, and future AI-assisted diagnostics for blood cancer.
Impact Solenoid Modeling for Current-Dependent Piston Position Estimation
Author: Spekreijse Sam, Hayes Michael, Yang Le
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 25, Issue: 24, December 2025)
Summary Contributed by: Spekreijse (Author)
Impact solenoids are specialized electromagnets with captive pistons that convert electrical energy into mechanical impact. They are used in industrial automation, automotive systems, and electromechanical devices, where precise piston position measurements are crucial. However, it requires dedicated sensors, which increases costs. This study presents a method for tracking the piston position of off-the-shelf solenoids during impacts by measuring the coil current. This sensorless approach achieves near-accurate position estimation across various solenoid models.
Highly Enhanced Sensing Performances of Si-Based Electrolyte-Gated Transistor (EGT) Using Silver Nanowire Coating Method in Chikungunya Detection
Author: Lee Jeong-soo, Do Jeonghyeon, Kim Kihyun, Shin Seong-Hwan, Son Jongmin
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 25, Issue: 24, December 2025)
Summary Contributed by: Jeong-Soo Lee (Author)
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) remains challenging to diagnose early due to symptom overlap with other mosquito-borne diseases. This work presents a highly sensitive silicon-based biosensor enhanced with a silver nanowire-coated gate. These nanowires boost the electrical performance and surface reactivity of the sensor, enabling rapid, accurate, and ultralow-concentration detection of viral proteins. The approach significantly improves sensitivity and selectivity, offering a promising route toward early detection and reliable point-of-care diagnostics.
Development of a New Around-the-Ear Electroencephalography Device for Passive Brain–Computer Interface Applications
Author: Ahn Hyunjin, Im Chang-hwan, Kim Jung-Hwan, Kim Minsu, Kim Seonho, Kim Suhye, Kim Yoosung, Oh Eunkyu, Park Dasom
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 25, Issue: 18, September 2025)
Summary Contributed by: Hyunjin Ahn (Author)
A brain-computer interface (BCI) enables users to control external devices using their brain signals. This paper introduces a compact around-the-ear electroencephalography device that captures brain signals through discreet sensors placed around the ear. It demonstrates reliable signal quality, better performance across passive BCI tasks, preference prediction, and drowsiness detection. This wearable device paves the way for monitoring brain activity in fields such as neuromarketing and neuroeducation, demonstrating its practical potential.
Easy-to-Fabricate Digital Microfluidic Chip Based on PCB With Glucose Enzyme-Free Detection Function
Author: Xu Chuanpei, Cen Yuanyin, Han Guo-Cheng, Huang Heyue, Li Siyu, Zhan Tao, Zhang Bo
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 25, Issue: 24, December 2025)
Summary Contributed by: Heyue Huang and Chuanpei Xu (Authors)
Glucose is a crucial health indicator. This study presents an easy-to-fabricate digital microfluidic chip built on a printed circuit board (PCB), enabling precise control of sample and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) droplets to create an alkaline environment necessary for enzyme-free glucose detection. The Simple fabrication process, reliable sensing performance, and low cost of this portable PCB-based microfluidic device open possibilities for lab-on-chip applications, point-of-care diagnostics, and wearable devices for broader use.
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 25, Issue: 24, December 2025)
Summary Contributed by: Wu Zhicheng (Author)
Moisture sensors have a wide range of applications in environmental monitoring, agriculture, food processing, healthcare, and scientific research. This study fabricates porous polyimide (PI) moisture sensors using the nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method. By balancing the micropore size and imidization degree of porous PI films, it achieves fast response (9 s) and low humidity hysteresis (2.8% RH) in moisture sensing, providing a novel strategy for developing next-generation high-performance moisture sensors.
Temperature and Strain Sensing Characteristics of a 128° YX-Cut LiNbO3 Rayleigh-Mode SAW Sensor From Room to Cryogenic Temperatures
Author: Li Fang, E Fernando Camino, Kohler Michael, Luo Jiaxing, Voiculescu Ioana R.
Published in: IEEE Sensors Journal (Volume: 25, Issue: 24, December 2025)
Summary Contributed by: Fang Li (Author)
Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors offer a unique way to monitor extreme cryogenic environments without batteries or wiring. This study explores a lithium-niobate SAW device that accurately detects temperature and mechanical strain from room temperature down to cryogenic levels. It also analyzes how acoustic waves behave under various conditions, emphasizing the sensor's reliability and sensitivity, and advancing its applications in aerospace, cryogenic engineering, biomedicine, and next-generation wireless sensing technologies.
Smart bandages can accelerate healing, avoiding infections of severe injuries or surgical wounds by real-time wound assessments. The wound’s healing state can be predicted by tracking parameters like temperature, pressure, pH, and acidity. A smart bandage prototype embedded with wireless temperature and pressure sensors based on a conductive polymer, PEDOT: PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate), and an NFC (Near-field communication) tag is proposed. This battery-less system provides a cost-effective alternative for medical applications.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) applications are often heavily dependent on artificial intelligence (AI) methods. Traditional cloud-based AI can find it hard to meet various UAV requirements, such as low latency and energy consumption. Edge AI, where AI is run on-device or at edge servers, is a viable solution. The researchers present an in-depth review of the convergence of edge AI and UAVs.
A non-profit organization, IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.
Copyright 2023 IEEE – All rights reserved. Use of this website signifies your agreement to the IEEE Terms and Conditions
This site is also available on your smartphone.
