Clinical laboratory IT solutions could use super-sensitive accelerometers

Accelerometers - used to make motion-activated devices work - could be included in clinical laboratory IT solutions as they become more sensitive.

Scientists at Tel Aviv University have developed a way to make accelerometers more responsive.

By coupling an optical sensor to the accelerometer, changes in position can be enhanced by comparing them with changes in light.

This could have wide-ranging applications, including in clinical laboratory IT solutions of the future which detect motion.

Dr Slava Krylov of the academic institution says: "The widespread penetration of miniature microelectromechanical systems sensors into the devices surrounding us is transforming our way of life."

The newly developed devices are hoped to have medical applications, as well as being used in the harvesting of clean energy.

Research at the Faculty of Engineering at Tel Aviv University is split into four strands of electrical, mechanical, biomedical and industrial engineering, in addition to the facility's regular teaching activities.