3D Printing
News Videos Newsletter Contact us
Home / News / Transforming Earbuds into Brain Activity Monitors using 3D Printing



Transforming Earbuds into Brain Activity Monitors using 3D Printing

September 29, 2023

Researchers from the University of California San Diego have successfully morphed ordinary earbuds into sophisticated devices capable of recording the brain’s electrical activity.

Utilizing 3D screen-printing technology, they engineered flexible sensors that not only monitor electrophysiological brain activity but also analyze sweat—specifically, sweat lactate, an organic acid produced during exercise and normal metabolic functioning. The ear’s proximity to the brain and its sweat glands make earbuds a prime tool for such data collection.

Transforming Earbuds into Brain Activity Monitors using 3D Printing
Printed brain activity sensor, in-ear. (Image Credit: UCSD)

The amalgamation of EEG and sweat lactate data offers a significant diagnostic advantage, aiding in the classification and analysis of various seizure types. Beyond medical diagnostics, this innovation provides insightful data regarding personal performance during exercise, alongside monitoring stress and focus levels.

While in-ear biometric data collection isn’t new, the uniqueness lies in the sensor’s ability to measure both brain activity and lactate. The technology hints at a future where wearables, equipped with neuroimaging sensors, seamlessly collect health data during everyday activities.

A primary challenge faced was fitting these sensors within the ear’s unique anatomy. Overcoming this, researchers created a stamp-like stretchable sensor (seen below), 3D printed to ensure accurate, adjustable contact with the ear, catering to its dynamic nature.

Stretchable sensor
Stretchable sensor. (Image Credit: UCSD)

Despite the necessity for considerable sweat currently, researchers are optimistic about enhancing the sensors’ precision, potentially negating the need for intense workouts to yield meaningful data, thereby inching closer to everyday health monitoring through simple wearables.

Source: engadget.com

Come and let us know your thoughts on our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages, and don’t forget to sign up for our weekly additive manufacturing newsletter to get all the latest stories delivered right to your inbox.

Share:
WhatsApp Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Buffer Reddit E-mail
About the author | Phillip Keane
Phillip is an aerospace engineer from UK. He is a graduate of Coventry University (UK), International Space University (France) and Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), where he studied Advanced Manufacturing at the Singapore Centre for 3D Printing.
Latest posts

Accelerating Robotics: 3D Printed Wheels and Drone Motors

Padmalaya Rawal, a robotics maker, has developed a high-speed robot wheel using 3D printing and a modified drone motor. His design addresses the... read more »

Electronics
Accelerating Robotics: 3D Printed Wheels and Drone Motors

Immensa Scores $20 Million Series B Funding for Digital Warehouse

Immensa, a leader in additive manufacturing in the MENA region, recently raised $20 million in Series B funding. This move is significant in... read more »

News
Immensa Scores $20 Million Series B Funding for Digital Warehouse

Prusa Introduces Binary G-code Format for Enhanced Space Efficiency

Prusa has introduced a new binary G-code format, .dubbed “bgcode”, aimed at improving space efficiency in 3D printing. Traditional G-code, though widely used... read more »

News
Prusa Introduces Binary G-code Format for Enhanced Space Efficiency

Researchers Create Temperature-Responsive Polymer Composite for Robotics

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, in collaboration with the University of Houston, have developed a novel 3D printed polymer composite. This... read more »

Materials
Researchers Create Temperature-Responsive Polymer Composite for Robotics

Automotive Company Adopts Digital Inventory for 3D Printed Spares

MAN Truck & Bus has adopted digital inventory management for spare part manufacturing, particularly for parts no longer in production. This approach was... read more »

News
Automotive Company Adopts Digital Inventory for 3D Printed Spares

SOLIDWORKS 2024 Released: What’s New?

Dassault Systèmes has released SOLIDWORKS 2024, the latest incarnation of its 3D design and engineering software (and this writer’s go-to CAD platform). The... read more »

News
SOLIDWORKS 2024 Released: What’s New?

A Closer Look at HyperLok™ – KPD’s High-Temp Bed Adhesive

There are many factors affecting the adhesion of FDM prints to a print bed, be it incorrect print settings, dodgy filament, or warping... read more »

News
A Closer Look at HyperLok™ - KPD’s High-Temp Bed Adhesive

Mechnano and Tethon3D’s ESD Resin Passes NASA Outgassing Tests

Mechnano, in collaboration with Tethon3D, has announced that their C-Lite vat photopolymerization resin has passed NASA's ASTM E595-77/84/90 outgassing tests. This high-temperature resistant... read more »

News
space applications

Maker Demonstrates 3D Printing Spheres Without Supports

A recent demonstration by “DaveMakesStuff” on Hackaday has showcased an efficient method for 3D printing spheres, a typically challenging shape for filament printers.... read more »

News
Support-free spheres

Social

  • Facebook Facebook 3D Printing
  • Linkedin Linkedin 3D Printing
  • Modix BIG Meter Modix BIG Meter
    980 x 1000 x 1000 mm
    from $13,500
    Request a Quote
  • Modix BIG-180X Modix BIG-180X
    1800 x 600 x 600 mm
    from $15,500
    Request a Quote
  • Industry MAGNUM Industry MAGNUM
    1500 x 1200 x 1200 mm
    €159.000
    Request a Quote
Join our newsletter

Our newsletter is free & you can unsubscribe any time.

Featured Industries

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Fashion
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Modix BIG Meter Modix BIG Meter
    980 x 1000 x 1000 mm
    from $13,500
    Request a Quote
  • Modix BIG-180X Modix BIG-180X
    1800 x 600 x 600 mm
    from $15,500
    Request a Quote
  • Industry MAGNUM Industry MAGNUM
    1500 x 1200 x 1200 mm
    €159.000
    Request a Quote



Company Information

  • What is 3D Printing?
  • Contact us
  • Join our mailing list
  • Advertise with us
  • Media Kit
  • Nederland 3D Printing

Blog

  • Latest News
  • Use Cases
  • Reviews
  • 3D Printers
  • 3D Printing Metal

Featured Reviews

  • Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
  • Creality Ender 5 S1
  • The Mole 3D Scanner
  • Flashforge Creator 3 Pro

Featured Industries

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Fashion
  • Art
2023 — Strikwerda en Dehue
  • Home
  • Join our mailing list
  • Contact us
Blog
  • Latest News
  • Use Cases
  • Reviews
  • 3D Printers
  • 3D Printing Metal
Featured Industries
  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Fashion
  • Art
Company Information
  • What is 3D Printing?
  • Contact us
  • Join our mailing list
  • Advertise with us
  • Media Kit
  • Nederland 3D Printing