We have developed portable low power radar for remote noncontact detection of vital signs (heartbeat and respiration) or mechanical vibrations. Technologies to improve the performance and reduce the size for various applications are being studied. Research covers both new theory and new hardware (circuits and system). The technology can potentially be used in many different areas, including but not limited to: healthcare, veterinary medicine, search and rescue, security surveillance, and industrial applications. The following link (news release + photo + video) provides some examples of the applications:

http://news.ufl.edu/2008/12/02/baby-monitor/
http://news.ufl.edu/2008/12/02/multimedia-baby-monitor/

The following articles give a good overview of the technology:

C. Li, J. Lin, “Recent Advances in Doppler Radar Sensors for Pervasive Healthcare Monitoring,” Proceedings of the 22^nd Asia-Pacific Microwave Conference, pp. 283-290, Yokohama, Japan, December 2010.

C. Li  J. Cummings,  J. Lam, E. Graves,  W. Wu, “Radar remote monitoring of vital signs,” IEEE Microwave Magazine, vol. 10, issue 1, pp. 47-56, February 2009.

J. Lin, C. Li, “Wireless Non-Contact Detection of Heartbeat and Respiration Using Low-Power Microwave Radar Sensor,” Proceedings of the 19^th Asia Pacific Microwave Conference, Vol. 1, pp. 393-396, Bangkok, Thailand, Dec. 11-14, 2007.