Developed by US researchers, a disposable sensor designed to be worn on the skin or clothes could protect cancer patients and warfighters from harmful radiation. Combining advanced light-sensing polymers and microelectronic grids, the team used laser etching at Sandia National Laboratories’ California site to create thousands of disposable patches.

The new dosimeter not only measures radiation dose but can also alert clinicians if the radiation is off target. The patch includes a polymer that interacts with radiation in real time, allowing it to track both the location and dosage of radiation as it passes through the patient. If the patient moves, the system can react instantly, shutting off the beam to help prevent harm to healthy tissue.