New e-tattoos developed by University of Texas researchers can track brainwaves

AUSTIN - Researchers at the University of Texas are working on some cutting-edge technology to better monitor functions in the human body. 

They're called e-tattoos, and students at the Cockrell School of Engineering are using 3D printers to essentially print electrodes right on a person's head, or pretty much anywhere else. E-tattoos are a form of EEG, a medical test that measures brain waves. 

"They are similar to the traditional tattoos, said Pablo Vidal, a Ph.D. Student with the Nanshu Lu research group at UT Austin. "Yet the main distinction is that these are temporary."

Source: University of Texas

E-tattoos have been around for more than a decade, tracking everything from heart activity to stress levels, brain tumors to sleep disorders. 

But the existing technology can be awkward—with rigid electrodes and long wires—tricky for people with a lot of hair. 

"It is a very unpleasant experience," said Luize Vasconcelos, lead author of the research. "That entire process is long, time-consuming."

This new 3D printed approach seeks to overcome that. 

"So we're actually depositing ink onto the body to form the e-tattoo's. Typically, e-tattoos are pre-fabricated, but we're trying to circumvent that approach so that we can make these hair compatible," said Vidal. 

The printer doesn't touch the person; instead, it propels ink fast enough to go through their hair. 

"If you're using it, you cannot tell it's on your head," said Vasconcelos. 

Before the e-tattoo is even made, a camera maps the person's head, so it all fits just right. 

"It will be a much better experience. So you can expect to have better data," said Vasconcelos. 

"I see that this technology can one be the one day be as common as photo booths are. So really have this tool be available within doctors, hospitals and even maybe in patients or in homes so that people can print it that is directly on them and give them real time access to their health information," said Vidal. 

UT is partnering with UCLA on this research, which is still in the prototype phase. 

We'll have much more on this e-tattoo technology in this weekend's FOX 7 Focus, Saturday night on FOX 7 Austin News at 9.