India, Feb. 28 -- Australia's University of Queensland (UQ) researchers have developed a new rapid sensor that can detect pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes, preterm birth risks and hypertension, as early as 11 weeks, with a simple blood test.

The 'nanoflower sensor' which works by screening blood samples for cell biomarkers could help reduce neonatal hospital admissions and save the healthcare system millions each year.

Professor Carlos Salomon Gallo from UQ's Centre for Clinical Research said the sensor was able to detect health complications that usually aren't picked up until the second or third trimesters.

The technology analyses extracellular vesicles, known as the 'body's text messages', which carry critical ...