Scientists have developed a new test, using ultraviolet light which can easily measure common stress hormones using sweat, blood, urine or saliva. Stress is often called "the silent killer" because of its stealthy and mysterious effects on the heart and mental health. "I wanted something that's simple and easy to interpret," said Andrew Steckl, an Ohio Eminent Scholar. "This may not give you all the information, but it tells you whether you need a professional who can take over," Steckl said. UC researchers developed a device that uses ultraviolet light to measure stress hormones in a drop of blood, sweat, urine or saliva.
These stress biomarkers are found in all of these fluids, albeit in different quantities, Steckl suggested. "It measures not just one biomarker but multiple biomarkers. And it can be applied to different bodily fluids. That's what's unique," he explained. Findings of…
