# Athlete-Monitoring Tattoos Vinci Hung’s Temporary Tattoos Track Changes in Metabolism By Michael Hines | Published 2012-12-06 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vinci-hung References: [dvice](http://dvice.com/archives/2012/12/smiley-face-sen.php) & [futurity.org](http://www.futurity.org/top-stories/this-happy-tattoo-is-really-a-medical-sensor/) Vinci Hung is a PhD candidate at the [University of Toronto](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thermal-earring) who has developed a metabolism sensor cleverly disguised as a temporary tattoo. The tattoo, designed to look like a man with a smiley face and a top hat, is actually an ion-selective electrode. The device can be used to monitor the skin’s pH levels in relation to metabolic changes. The sensor is applied to the skin like a normal temporary tattoo. Its eyes function as references electrodes and the ears work as the contacts needed to make a measuring device work. This type of sensor could make it possible for weekend warriors to [monitor their workouts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kinexon-sports) without the need for expensive equipment. Currently, Vinci Hung has no plans to make his invention commercially available, but he has published a paper that details the device’s creation. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 32% | Activity: 78% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Metabolism-tracking Tattoos:** Temporary tattoos with metabolism sensors can revolutionize the way people monitor their workouts without the need for expensive equipment. - **Ion-selective Electrodes:** Developing ion-selective electrodes for different applications, like metabolism tracking, can lead to more accurate and cost-effective sensing technology. - **Low-cost Fitness Monitoring:** Creating low-cost fitness monitoring solutions can open up new markets and enable more people to track their fitness progress without breaking the bank. ### Where This Applies - **Fitness Tracker:** Fitness tracking companies can leverage metabolism-tracking tattoos to offer a new, affordable, and convenient way to monitor workout progress. - **Medical Devices:** Medical device manufacturers can explore new ways of incorporating ion-selective electrodes in medical devices for health monitoring and diagnostics. - **Temporary Tattoo Industry:** Temporary tattoo companies can develop new products that offer more than just a temporary design, but also functional sensors that can be used for various applications. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sweat-Wicking Wearable Biosensors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydration-biosensor.md) - [Athletic Sweat-Tracking Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydrosense-ai-sweat-sensor.md) - [Muscle Growth-Tracking Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/training-improvement-system.md) - [Perspiration-Analyzing Fitness Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweat-fitness-tracker.md) - [Temperature-Monitoring Earrings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thermal-earring.md) - [Metabolism-Tracking Fitness Rings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultrahuman.md) - [Battery-Free Health Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uci.md) - [Wearable Hydration Monitors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/connected-hydration.md) - [Sweat-Analyzing Hydration Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nix-hydration-biosensor.md)