Researchers from The University of Texas at Austin are working to change that with the invention of a new noninvasive, wearable sensor designed to measure a user’s hydration levels continuously, in real time. Such a device could help a football player stay hydrated on a hot September afternoon, keep a firefighter battling a blaze from getting too dried out, or just let an office worker know when it’s time to make a trip to fill their water bottle.

“Dehydration is a silent threat that affects millions of people every day,” said Nanshu Lu, professor in the Cockrell School of Engineering’s Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, who led the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

“Our wearable sensor provides a simple, effective way to monitor hydration levels in real time, empowering individuals to take proactive steps to stay healthy and perform at their best.”