Micro Water Sensor Outperforms Larger Counterparts

Oct-20-13 A tiny, microfluidic water sensor is not only much more sensitive than current options, it can also be mass-produced for just five dollars each.

Developed by a team from Cornell University, the chip is designed to be inserted into the soil or stem of a plant. It contains a tiny cavity filled with water, and it will exchange that moisture with the moisture in its environment through a nanoporous membrane. As the moisture flows from one side to the other, the chip measures any changes in pressure that results from water entering or being drawn out. Data from the chip can be obtained by connecting the chip to a separate device able to transmit or record information, and one chip can be left in place outdoors for years.

Potential applications for the chip include crop growers, wine and fruit growers, and concrete manufacturers.

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[GIZMAG.COM]
[CORNELL UNIVERSITY]

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