Crazy idea? A major breakthrough for science? Scientists at the University of Texas have succeeded in tattooing electrodes and their wires onto the scalp to perform electroencephalograms. And it works!
EpilepsyEpilepsyrepeated pain, Sleep disorderSleep disorder or neurological, brain lesions… an electroencephalogram (EEGEEG) allows us to dispel doubts about many. PathologiesPathologies By recording brain activity. To collect it, 21 must be placed. ElectrodeElectrode But The skullThe skull of the patient. The whole thing is held together using a helmet. The activity is then copied into traces. Although the operation is painless, it is long and painful for the patients.
To make EEGs less painful and faster, scientists at the University of Texas at Austin, USA, have invented electrodes that can be tattooed directly onto the scalp. But on one condition: that the hair is very short. Ink isn’t really new for electronic tattooing, but until now the system only worked on hairless areas. So the challenge for the researchers was to make the process efficient despite the presence of hair.
Neck tattoos
Made of liquid ink designed by him. PolymerPolymer Drivers It can work its way through the hair to reach the scalp and, once dry, it acts as a Activity sensorActivity sensor Brain But, before starting the operation, an algorithm automatically determines the location of the EEG electrodes on the patient’s scalp. They then use a digitally controlled inkjet printer to spray a thin layer of electronic tattoo ink onto the identified areas.
Even better, the researchers printed the wires attached to the electrodes up to the neck. The team now hopes to go even further, integrating wireless data transmitters directly into electronic tattoos. Then the EEG will be completely generated by these electronic tattoos. Tattoo enthusiasts may appreciate the aesthetics of these tattoos, but you should know that they are only temporary.