Apple reveals that a new asthma study will use the data collected by the Apple Watch Series 6 blood oxygen sensor.

During its September "Time Flies" event, Apple announced that it is preparing, together with U.S. health insurer Anthem, to unveil a new asthma study. The objective of the research is to examine whether data from digital tools like the Apple Watch Series 6 and its blood oxygen sensor can help in managing and controlling respiratory issues like asthma.

Apple said that aside from data generated by the blood oxygen sensor of Apple Watch Series 6, the study will also use other health metrics that the device collected. The Cupertino-based company said it believes the new asthma study is very relevant, considering that COVID-19, the disease at the center of the current health crisis, primarily attacks the respiratory system.

CNBC revealed that U.C. Irvine is set to conduct a two-year virtual asthma study involving 900 people between 18 and 64 years old and are suffering from asthma. Reports say that all the participants are required to have a health plan through health insurer Anthem or any of its subsidiaries. CareEvolution, a U.S. health technology company, is the one in charge of gathering and examining the resulting data from the blood oxygen sensor of Apple Watch Series 6.

Some participants will receive a Beddit sleep monitor, as well as an Apple Watch Series 6 to monitor a series of health metrics which include the blood oxygen levels, general activity levels, and heart rate. Apple Watch Series 6 features a new blood oxygen sensor and other health data gathering capabilities that the new asthma study is going to use. Other participants who will be in the control group, however, will not use the new Apple device.

Researchers will use the blood oxygen sensor integrated into the Apple Watch Series 6 to monitor the blood oxygen levels of the participants in the new asthma study. This is achieved using the four photodiodes and four LED clusters embedded into the redesigned back crystal of the smartwatch. The cluster and photodiodes radiate red, green, and infrared light into the wrist of the user to determine the color of their blood.

Detecting blood color through the blood oxygen sensor allows the Apple Watch Series 6 to calculate oxygen level in the blood, which is a strong indicator of lung function, and determine the efficiency of the body to efficiently absorb oxygen, among other health metrics. Those who belong to the active group in the new asthma study, or the participants with Apple Watch and Beddit, will use the devices as "digital asthma tools" to provide data points such as triggers and daily symptoms.

In the past, Apple has examined some technologies that could affect the way people live with the condition. Proof of this is Apple's purchase of Tueo Health, an asthma monitoring startup, in 2019. This year marks the first time that an iDevice, the Apple Watch Series 6 with its blood oxygen sensor, will be used in a scientific study.