Summary: UCLA researchers have developed a soft, wearable magnetoelastic patch designed for real-time, non-invasive monitoring of cervical spine pressure and motion, enabling early detection and personalized care for infants with potential neck or spine disorders. Background: Infant cervical spine injuries present a significant diagnostic challenge due to infants' inability to communicate discomfort or pain, which can result in delayed detection and intervention. Failure to diagnose and manage these injuries promptly may lead to long-term physical disabilities or more severe complications. Currently, diagnostic methods for infant cervical spine disorders primarily include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and X-ray imaging. However, these modalities have notable limitations. They generally require physician supervision, depend on high-power supply systems, and are associated with substantial costs, rendering them intermittently available. Additionally, CT and X-ray imaging expose infants to significant radiation levels, posing further health risks. More importantly, these conventional imaging techniques are ineffective in capturing the dynamic structural changes that occur in the cervical spine during early development. Given these constraints, there is a critical need for a reliable, non-invasive, and continuous monitoring system tailored to infants' fragile and rapidly developing cervical spine. Such a system would enable early detection and intervention, reduce the risk of long-term disabilities and improve overall infant health outcomes. Innovation: UCLA researchers have developed a kirigami-inspired soft magnetoelastic patch that provides real-time, non-invasive monitoring of cervical spine pressure and motion. The patch is composed of a soft, stretchable, and skin-friendly material integrated with magnetic micro-particles and miniature sensing coils. When the patch experiences mechanical deformation such as bending or stretching along the infant’s neck, it produces small changes in magnetic signals that correspond to the level and direction of biomechanical stress. Unlike rigid electronic sensors, this patch mimics the flexibility of human skin and conforms seamlessly to body contours. The kirigami (cut-patterned) design enhances comfort, breathability, and sensitivity by allowing multidirectional stretching without signal loss. Integrated with machine learning algorithms, the system can accurately decode movement and pressure patterns, distinguishing between safe and potentially harmful stress levels on the cervical spine with up to 99% accuracy. The patch enables continuous, wireless, and radiation-free monitoring of cervical spine biomechanics, paving the way for safer and more personalized pediatric care. This innovation represents a major step forward in infant health monitoring—transforming cervical spine assessment from periodic imaging-based diagnosis to real-time, wearable prevention and protection. Potential Applications: • Infant cervical spine monitoring • Pediatric rehabilitation • Neonatal and NICU care • Smart healthcare wearables • Sports injury prevention and rehabilitation • Ergonomic posture management • Research and biomedical studies Advantages: • Continuous and real-time monitoring • Soft, biocompatible, and skin-like design • Non-invasive and radiation-free • Wireless and portable operation • Enhanced comfort and breathability • Data-driven healthcare insight • Versatile and scalable platform • Waterproof • High signal to noise ratio State of Development: A fully functional prototype of the wearable magnetoelastic patch has been fabricated and experimentally validated. Related Papers: - Zhou, Y.H., Zhao, X., Xu, J., Fang, Y.S., Chen, G.R., Song, Y., Li, S., and Chen, J. (2021). Giant magnetoelastic effect in soft systems for bioelectronics. Nat Mater 20, 1670-+. 10.1038/s41563-021-01093-1. - Chen, G.R., Zhao, X., Andalib, S., Xu, J., Zhou, Y.H., Tat, T., Lin, K., and Chen, J. (2021). Discovering giant magnetoelasticity in soft matter for electronic textiles. Matter 4, 3725-3740. 10.1016/j.matt.2021.09.012. - Chen, G.R., Zhou, Y.H., Fang, Y.S., Zhao, X., Shen, S., Tat, T., Nashalian, A., and Chen, J. (2021). Wearable Ultrahigh Current Power Source Based on Giant Magnetoelastic Effect in Soft Elastomer System. ACS Nano 15, 20582-20589. 10.1021/acsnano.1c09274. - Zhao, X., Zhou, Y.H., Xu, J., Chen, G.R., Fang, Y.S., Tat, T., Xiao, X., Song, Y., Li, S., and Chen, J. (2021). Soft fibers with magnetoelasticity for wearable electronics. Nat Commun 12, 6755. 10.1038/s41467-021-270661. Reference: UCLA Case No. 2026-076 Lead Inventor: Professor Jun Chen, UCLA Department of Bioengineering