“The study shows that human breast milk proteins can be used for drug delivery purposes, and as far as we know, nobody’s done this before,” Zinger said enthusiastically.

Scientists at the University of Southern California (USC) have developed a lactation pad equipped with sensing technology that allows parents of newborns to monitor breast milk in real time.

As breast milk naturally leaks into the pad, a small amount is pulled into the device’s microfluidic channel. There, a special electrode detects acetaminophen by identifying its chemical signature.

Scientists at USC are developing a “super-bra” equipped with a high-tech lactation pad that can detect acetaminophen (Tylenol) and other drugs in breast milk. The device isn’t on the market yet, but ...