Temporary smart tattoos, like
Microsoft Research's Tattio
concept, have been popping up in research stories more and more often
this year. Joining them is this stick-on, nanotech tattoo, developed at
Tel Aviv University and designed to be worn on the face.
Why?
Well, firstly for the potential medical applications. The wearable,
created by Professor Yael Hanein at the Center for Nanoscience and
Nanotechnology, can measure the activity of muscle and nerve cells while
patients go about their day. The alternative is confining them to lie
down for hours on end in a lab, with cold, sticky gels and irritating
surface electrodes.
The
stick-on uses a carbon electrode and a nanotech, conductive polymer
coating to boost its performance, as well as an adhesive surface to
attach the electronics to the wearer's skin.
What's also
interesting is that the smart tattoo can be used to read facial
expressions and map the wearer's emotions. It's able to do this by
analysing the electrical signals received by muscles in the face and it
can be worn for hours on end.
"The ability to identify and map
people's emotions has many potential uses," said Prof. Hanein.
"Advertisers, pollsters, media professionals, and others — all want to
test people's reactions to various products and situations. Researchers
worldwide are trying to develop methods for mapping emotions by
analyzing facial expressions, mostly via photos and smart software. But
our skin electrode provides a more direct and convenient solution."
Tel
Aviv Medical Center now plans to use the temp tattoo to monitor the
muscle activity of patients with neurodegenerative diseases. According
to Professor Hanein, it could also be an aid in improving muscle control
for people who have suffered brain or stroke injuries or as a means for
amputees to control artifcial limbs.
Source: Engadget
