CNN Interviews Chula Professor on the Success of Research on Using Sweat Odor to Detect Stress and Depression 

The innovation of “Detecting Chemicals in Sweat Odor to Indicate Stress and Depression” – a research achievement by professors from the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University – has garnered attention from CNN, which interviewed the researcher for global coverage on the show Vital Signs with Dr. Sanjay Gupta. 

On November 18, 2024, at the Science and Technology Research Center, 6th floor of the Sabbasastravicaya Building at Chulalongkorn University, CNN reporters interviewed Lecturer Dr. Patthrarawalai Sirinara, MD, MPH, PhD from the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University. The interview covered the process of using the Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry (GC-IMS) device to analyze chemicals in sweat odor, which can effectively diagnose individuals with stress and depression. Assistant Professor Dr. Chadin Kulsing from the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, provided information on the GC-IMS machine, which was donated by Sci Spec Co., Ltd., and funded by the Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI). 

Furthermore, on November 11, 2024, CNN reported on the research team from Chulalongkorn University, led by Assistant Professor Dr. Chadin Kulsing and Dr.Nuttanee Tungkijanansin, conducting stress screenings using chemicals in sweat from a group of 35 nurses at Buriram Hospital, which was part of their report on the research. 

The research team from the Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Science at Chulalongkorn University has successfully identified chemicals in sweat that indicate high levels of stress and depression. This research builds upon previous studies and the development of a COVID-19 screening tool using chemicals from sweat during the pandemic. The initial study conducted with firefighters in Bangkok showed an accuracy rate of 90%. The research team is now expanding the screening to other high-risk professions, starting with nurses, and plans to make the GC-IMS machine available for public use soon. 

For more information on this research: http://web-dev.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/122925/