Stress is often called “the silent killer” because of its stealthy and mysterious effects on everything from heart disease to mental health.

Now researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a new test that can easily and simply measure common stress hormones using sweat, blood, urine or saliva. Eventually, they hope to turn their ideas into a simple device that patients can use at home to monitor their health.

The results were published this month in the journal American Chemical Society Sensors.

“I wanted something that’s simple and easy to interpret,” said Andrew Steckl, an Ohio Eminent Scholar and professor of electrical engineering in UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science.

“This may not give you all the information, but it tells you whether you need a professional who can take over,” Steckl said.

Read more at University of Cincinnati

Photo: UC research assistant Shima Dalirirad talks with UC professor Andrew Steckl in UC's Nanoelectronics Laboratory. Dalirirad conducted a related study on detecting cortisol in sweat that was published this year in the journal "Sensors and Actuators B: Chemistry." 

CREDIT: Andrew Higley / UC Creative Services

• Health
• Top Stories