Brain Electrodes That Screw On the Skin

An anonymous reader writes "New Scientist says that attaching electrodes to the skin for monitoring brain activity (for example when 'installing brain implants that can allow disabled people to control machines using their mind') is tricky, especially on a hairy scalp, so the new solution from the University of Pittsbugh is an electrode that screws into the skin: its 'teeth dig into the upper layer of skin and become fixed in place, maintaining good electrical contact.' They say that the thing 'should be pain-free.' (Note: it does not go through the skull!)"

Comments

Screwed Into Skin

[bky1701]

I am not sure about anyone else here, but the last time I screwed something into my skin, it wasn't "pain-free". I can't even think of a way that could be pulled off - let alone one practical.

Re:Screwed Into Skin

[sleeponthemic]

This sounds like a job for VELCRO!

FInally!

[geekoid]

A humane way to attach laser beams to my frikken' sharks

Old Lightbulb Joke

[Wowlapalooza]

I read this headline and immediately thought of the old lightbulb joke:

How many flies does it take to screw in a lightbulb?

Two, but how do you get them in there?

After that, I wasn't sure I wanted to read TFA about something "screw[ing] on my skin". Ick.

Re:Old Lightbulb Joke

[tomhudson]

Brain Electrodes That "Screw On the Skin"

Sounded like head lice to me...

I for one don't welcome our brain-screwing electrode overlords.

Re:Old Lightbulb Joke

[John Hasler]

Don't ever read about all the little critters that live on and in your body. They do nastier things than screwing there.

Re:Old Lightbulb Joke

[vrmlguy]

So *that's* where little electrodes come from!

Wait a sec, why would you want that?

[NotSoHeavyD3]

I mean why would anybody want electrodes that can engage in intercourse, let alone there?

misparsing title

[Anonymous Coward]

I'm like, damn, those are some frisky electrodes!