Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a groundbreaking electroencephalogram (EEG) system using liquid ink that can be sprayed directly onto a person’s scalp, forming an ultra-thin electronic tattoo. This innovation, dubbed “e-tattoos,” has the potential to transform brain monitoring and brain-computer interface (BCI) technology.
The traditional EEG setup involves attaching sticky electrodes to the scalp with gel, which is time-consuming and uncomfortable. In contrast, e-tattoos are applied using a specialized inkjet printer and dry instantly into a thin, flexible film that acts as a sensor, picking up brain signals with precision.
In a study, researchers applied e-tattoos to the scalps of five volunteers with short hair and compared them to traditional EEG electrodes. The results showed that e-tattoos performed flawlessly for at least 24 hours without drying out or losing signal strength. Additionally, the team redesigned the tattoos to replace wires typically used in EEG setups by printing thin lines connecting sensors to a data collection device.
The implications of this technology are significant, with potential applications in brain-computer interfaces that could revolutionize the way people with disabilities communicate and control prosthetic limbs. The e-tattoo system could also make BCI devices more accessible and easier to use, eliminating the need for bulky headsets.
As researchers continue to refine the technology, they envision a future where even wireless transmitters are embedded directly into the tattoos. With e-tattoos, the possibilities for wearable technology seem limitless, opening up new frontiers in medical research, assistive technologies, and beyond.
Source: https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/temporary-scalp-e-tattoos-that-scan-brain-could-replace-traditional-eegs-forever