BBC reports on a new inexpensive technology to take a baby’s temperature, suitable for poorly educated mothers in developping countries, where hypothermia is a major cause of death among newborn babies.

An LCD disc with an adhesive back sticks onto the skin which monitors temperature.

When babies are warm enough, mothers will see a green spot with a smile – but if they are too cold, the smile disappears and the spot turns black.

“The LCD (liquid crystal display) ThermoSpot temperature indicator was developed by John Zeal, whose family firm has been making traditional mercury thermometers since 1888.

Its makers say the device could be produced for as little as 10p.

The disc has now been entered for this year’s Medical Futures Innovations Awards“.