Biofeedback with Nanotech
New applications for nanotechnology are popping up faster than the technology can be developed. Biotech has long been a nanotech field, but a new sub-field is that of using nanotechnology to develop internal health monitoring systems that can replace clunky and expensive external devices. The concept is to create nanobots that will autonomously attach to, target, or count certain blood cells, so that a scanner can count their numbers. For example, a finger pulse oximeter is used to determine blood oxygen levels and pulse rate, but it has to clip onto the finger of the patient. Even though the oximeter is noninvasive, it still limits mobility and runs the risk of running out of batteries. A patient who has been supplemented (probably via injection) with blood-analysis nanotechnology won't be able to lose his or her scanning equipment, and will be subject to constant and instantaneous health monitoring. The patient would be able to enjoy normal life activities, and even go home from the hospital, without ever being unhooked from scanning equipment.
Other uses for blood analysis and biofeedback nanotech would include measuring blood sugar levels, searching for and counting levels of bacteria and infection, and monitoring for blood-borne pathogens and viruses. The options for patients to use self-analysis and detection equipment will only grow larger as nanotech grows smaller. The biofeedback that people currently enjoy doesn't go far beyond temperature, blood pressure, and pulse rate. But with blood-borne nanotech reporting the body's condition, a person will be able to see real-time blood scans on their laptop or mobile device. The technology could even extend to something as mundane, yet potentially life-saving, as reporting a person's blood alcohol level, so they can check if they're safe to drive before getting into the car.