Recording Brain Activity ++;

Recording brain activity is a subject, which has been of moderate interest recently. It has several useful applications, assisting in functions such as determining consciousness. One of the drawbacks with the current measurement devices is that these function as needle-like probes, which are inserted into the brain. The problem with this approach is that when the electrodes are plunged through the brain tissue, they cause damage to this tissue. Scientists are developing an alternative measurement method, which is much less invasive,acting like a shrink-wrap to conform to the brain shape make measurements.
This technology is essentially an array of flexible mini probe electrodes, which are attached in a silicon grid. While this technology did exist to some extent, it is being improved by this research group. These metal electrodes are about five times thicker than a human hair and less sharp and rigid than the previously used probes. Since these implants are more flexible than the previous probes, and adhere to the brain surface more closely, they are able to withstand any shifting within the skull and maintain the proper readings, which used to be a problem in the past. Using this device, scientists may be able to monitor patients with neurological dysfunctions such as epilepsy, and administer therapy in real time when a crisis occurs. This research is a collaboration between scientists at UPenn, Tufts, and University of Illinois.
I chose this article because neural engineering is one of my top three areas of interest in biomedical engineering, and this new improvement to brain recording technology certainly piqued my interest.

Blesson John
VTPP 435-502

Link: http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/34059/