The system has been successfully tested on mice by measuring sodium levels through ear vessels, with skin cooled to reduce water interference, and on human blood samples and volunteers, demonstrating signals proportional to blood flow.

It detects sodium ions by measuring ultrasound waves generated when tissues absorb terahertz waves, allowing for long-term monitoring in live subjects and initial promising results in humans.

Further development aims to identify suitable detection sites on humans, such as inside the mouth, and to enhance signal processing to eliminate the need for cooling, making the technology more practical for clinical use.

This innovative approach could also enable detection of other biomolecules like sugars, proteins, and enzymes by their terahertz absorption signatures.

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking non-invasive system that monitors blood sodium levels in real-time by combining optoacoustic detection with terahertz spectroscopy, potentially replacing traditional blood draws.

The technology holds significant potential for accurately tracking sodium levels in patients, which could help prevent neurological complications caused by rapid sodium imbalances without invasive procedures.

Terahertz radiation is ideal for biological applications because of its low energy and minimal harm, and the new system overcomes water interference and tissue penetration challenges through the addition of optoacoustic detection.