Research passes media's acid test
Research passes media's acid test
He’ll never outrank Harry Potter in Google searches, but J.C. Chiao is
becoming a celebrity.
The electrical engineering associate professor’s research on a wireless
system to detect gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has drawn coverage from
more than 50 media outlets in seven countries. He has found Internet articles
written in Chinese, Russian, German, Spanish and French.
TV and radio stations, newspapers, magazines, Web sites and discussion
boards—all have touted his work combining RFID and sensor technologies to create
a less-invasive way to track acid reflux.
“I’ve been surprised and a little overwhelmed,” said Dr. Chiao, who is quick
to credit colleagues at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and UT
Arlington for much of the attention.
According to aboutGERD.org, the disease
affects 5-7 percent of the global population. And it doesn’t discriminate: Men,
women and children suffer. More than 4.5 million U.S. doctor visits each year
are GERD related. Couple the disease’s prevalence with a dearth of diagnosis
methods, and it’s no surprise that Chiao’s research has created a buzz.
“Our device is also very close to practical applications,” he said, “unlike
some advanced discoveries that will take another five to 10 years to get to
patients.”
They said it …
“Imagine pushing a button at the first substernal burning twinge to activate
your implanted esophageal acid-sensing RFID tag and wirelessly transmitting the
data to your cellphone for review at your next doctor’s appointment.”
–
medGadget
“The new system combines radio frequency identification (RFID)—used in stores
to track inventory and in identification chips in pets—and impedance monitoring,
which tracks reflux through electrical impulses.”
– MSN
“Equipped with an electrical impulse sensor, the chip measures particular
impulses that indicate the presence of acidic or nonacidic liquids in the
esophagus. ... The chip is encased in plastic, and the patient should not feel
its presence at all.”
– RFID Update
“The researchers say the system may offer an easier, more comfortable method
of following normal eating, drinking and other activities that may play a role
in acid reflux.”
– Austin American-Statesman
“The chip is designed to be less invasive than current reflux tracking
methods.”
– WBAP radio
“The RFID-enabled sensor can be inserted into the esophagus and attached to
the esophagus wall, where it transmits to an RFID reader connected like a
necklace around the patient’s neck.”
– RFID Journal
“Researchers have tested the device in the lab to ensure it accurately
identifies the acidity of substances and can send results through human
tissue.”
– MedMarket Diligence
— Mark Permenter