Researchers at Northwestern University (Evanston,IL,USA; www.northwestern.edu) have created the first ever device to monitor transplanted organs can sense warning signs of rejection up to three weeks earlier than current methods.

This soft, ultrathin implant sits directly on the transplanted kidney and monitors temperature fluctuations,which are often related to inflammation and other bodily reactions that can indicate transplant rejection.

The device then sends this data wirelessly to a nearby smartphone or tablet, alerting the patient or medical professionals.

A surgeon could implant the device immediately following the transplant surgery,while the patients is still in the operating room,allowing it to monitor the kidney without requiring additional procedures.