 | Using an eye patch like this one, which measures information from the brain temperature tunnel discovered by Dr. M. Marc Abreu of Yale, physicians can continuously monitor the body's internal temperature. |
Yale researcher Dr. M. Marc Abreu has identified an area of the brain he calls the brain temperature tunnel, which will allow physicians to easily measure the body's core temperature by monitoring a patch of skin.
The discovery has the potential to prevent death from heat stroke and hypothermia, and detect infectious diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Abreu, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Ophthalmology at the School of Medicine, found that a small area of skin near the eyes and the nose is the point of entry for the brain temperature tunnel. His research shows that this area is connected to a thermal storage center in the brain, and the area has the thinnest skin and the highest amount of light energy. He has constructed patches and eyeglasses designed to continuously measure brain temperature at this entry point.
Unlike other vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate, which can be monitored continuously, core body temperature measurement currently cannot be measured continuously and non-invasively.
"With the discovery of the brain temperature tunnel, sunglasses and eyeglasses will serve not only visual function, but also functions that sustain and enhance human life and performance," says Abreu.
According to Abreu, this discovery could impact a host of health issues such as athletic performance and training -- enhancing the safety and performance of athletes, firefighters, members of the military and outdoor recreationists. The discovery could also help protect the world food supply and improve food safety by continuous monitoring of infectious diseases in animals such as foot-and-mouth disease, bovine tuberculosis, anthrax and mad cow disease, notes the Yale researcher.
For those who are sick at home and in hospitals, Abreu says, this discovery could also provide continuous temperature monitoring without the need for nurse intervention.
"One of the most important causes of death is hospital infection, which kills more than 100,000 patients a year in the United States," says Abreu. "The inability to detect temperature changes in a timely fashion can lead to spread of infection and even cause death. Monitoring the brain temperature tunnel can detect infection early, so timely therapy can be administered and complications prevented."
He adds, "The brain temperature tunnel has enabled the creation of systems that enhance performance while maximizing safety in hot or cold temperatures and preventing dehydration or overhydration."
Abreu explains that when athletes, military personnel, construction workers and firefighters die from heat stroke, it is because the brain temperature rises rapidly to dangerous levels and a lack of timely detection and intervention causes brain damage. Furthermore, he adds, physical performance is decreased because the blood is used for cooling the body. The high temperature in the brain can also lead to thermal-induced injury and impaired cognitive function, he notes.
"Monitoring brain temperature will also enable women to use a natural method for tracking fertility and birth control," says Abreu. "Automated detection of ovulation can also enhance programs for artificial insemination in animals on dairy farms and in zoos."
-- By Karen Peart
T H I S
Discovery reveals new way
to monitor body temperature
W E E K ' SS T O R I E S
The answer is: 'Jeopardy!'
Yale students get lesson in organic farming
Gift to help create police station/community center
Study: Environment plays role in some reading disabilities
Works from Yale collection on view at the Met
Compounds being developed to treat infectious disease
IN FOCUS: Community Rowing Program
MEDICAL SCHOOL NEWSDiscovery reveals new way to monitor body temperature
Researcher develops test to determine if womb . . .
Study: Diabetics often prescribed unsafe heart medications
Diuretics may boost treatment success in cocaine addicts
Beinecke Library to celebrate women in the arts
Pilot Pen tournament features tennis and much more
Meg Bellinger joins Yale staff as associate librarian
Dr. Robert Donaldson, former medical deputy dean, dies
Recent graduates win honors in international design competition
Mystery, humor, tragedy -- Yale Rep's new season has them all
Three journalists will enhance their legal reporting as Knight Fellows
Globalization's impact on health, gender explored
Welcome to the future
Search Committee Named for Beinecke Library Director
YUWO scholarships to help 11 Yale affiliates further their education
Campus Notes
Bulletin Home|Visiting on Campus|Calendar of Events|In the News
Bulletin Board|Classified Ads|Search Archives|Deadlines
Bulletin Staff|Public Affairs|News Releases|
E-Mail Us|Yale Home