Wi-Fi-Enabled Tooth Sensor Rats You Out When You Smoke Or Overeat 118
Daniel_Stuckey writes "Researchers at National Taiwan University have created a tooth-embedded sensor that will catch you in an unhealthy act, whatever it may be, and lets your doctor know so he can shame you during your next checkup. The sensor consists of a tiny circuit that fits inside a tooth cavity and can be rigged into dentures and dental braces. The circuit is able to recognize the jaw motions of drinking, chewing, coughing, speaking, and smoking, and the results get sent directly to your doctor's smartphone."
Why the doctor? (Score:4, Insightful)
I think this would be 100x more effective if it just gave you a mild shock or direct feedback, instead of waiting for the rare doctor's (dentist's?) visit.
Heck, even to my own smartphone would be better... No doctor needed to see a nice graph. Maybe some optional social integration for those who like to be socially encouraged to do better.
And the practical reason for this is?... (Score:4, Insightful)
And the practical reason for this is what, exactly?
Do the doctor can tell them they shouldn't have done, something they already did, and already know shouldn't have?
Maybe, just maybe, HMO and insurance companies could benefit from this but, the person? How exactly?
Re:Why the doctor? (Score:4, Insightful)
Or your insurance agent! Smoke one in the bar while drinking...rates go up on Monday.
Let me be the first to say, HOLY CRAP.
Re:Cancer anyone? (Score:4, Insightful)
Placing wifi-devices in close proximity to your brain doesn't sound like a smart idea.
It's non-ionizing radiation and presumably won't have enough power for thermal heating to be a concern, so I don't think you need to be too worried.
Re: Why the doctor? (Score:2, Insightful)
It's because most people have to pay for a doctor's appointment.
The whole approach is ridiculous anyway, how it got past being on paper I don't know. I can only speak for myself when it comes to addictions, but it seems like people who act compulsively very often already feel guilt and shame, and lots of it...unless someone was desperate out of their minds I can't see how it would help to have their smartphones "shaming" them via pop-up messages. If they were that desperate being constantly reminded only of their failures might tip them over the edge. It did for me.