<p>Scientists have created a new adhesive "electronic tattoo" that can read emotions, an advance that can improve muscle control of amputees and patients with brain injuries.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The tattoo consists nanotechnology-based conductive polymer coating that enhances the carbon electrode's performance.<br /><br />It records a strong, steady signal for hours on end without irritating the skin.<br />The electrode, developed by Yael Hanein of Tel Aviv University in Israel, may improve the therapeutic restoration of damaged nerves and tissue - and may even lead to new insights into our emotional life.<br /><br />One major application of the new electrode is the mapping of emotion by monitoring facial expressions through electric signals received from facial muscles.<br /><br />"The ability to identify and map people's emotions has many potential uses," said Hanein.<br /><br />"Advertisers, pollsters, media professionals, and others - all want to test people's reactions to various products and situations," he said.<br /><br />"Researchers worldwide are trying to develop methods for mapping emotions by analysing facial expressions, mostly via photos and smart software," Hanein added.<br />"But our skin electrode provides a more direct and convenient solution," he said.<br /><br />The device was first developed as an alternative to electromyography, a test that assesses the health of muscles and nerve cells.<br /><br />It is an uncomfortable and unpleasant medical procedure that requires patients to lie sedentary in the lab for hours on end.<br /><br />Often a needle is stuck into muscle tissue to record its electrical activity, or patients are swabbed with a cold, sticky gel and attached to unwieldy surface electrodes.<br /><br />"Our tattoo permits patients to carry on with their daily routines, while the electrode monitors their muscle and nerve activity," said Hanein.<br /><br />According to him, the new skin electrode has other important therapeutic applications.<br /><br />The tattoo can be used to monitor the muscle activity of patients with neurodegenerative diseases.<br /><br />"The physiological data measured in specific muscles may be used in the future to indicate the alertness of drivers on the road; patients in rehabilitation following stroke or brain injury may utilise the 'tattoo' to improve muscle control; and amputees may employ it to move artificial limbs with remaining muscles," said Hanein. <br /></p>
<p>Scientists have created a new adhesive "electronic tattoo" that can read emotions, an advance that can improve muscle control of amputees and patients with brain injuries.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The tattoo consists nanotechnology-based conductive polymer coating that enhances the carbon electrode's performance.<br /><br />It records a strong, steady signal for hours on end without irritating the skin.<br />The electrode, developed by Yael Hanein of Tel Aviv University in Israel, may improve the therapeutic restoration of damaged nerves and tissue - and may even lead to new insights into our emotional life.<br /><br />One major application of the new electrode is the mapping of emotion by monitoring facial expressions through electric signals received from facial muscles.<br /><br />"The ability to identify and map people's emotions has many potential uses," said Hanein.<br /><br />"Advertisers, pollsters, media professionals, and others - all want to test people's reactions to various products and situations," he said.<br /><br />"Researchers worldwide are trying to develop methods for mapping emotions by analysing facial expressions, mostly via photos and smart software," Hanein added.<br />"But our skin electrode provides a more direct and convenient solution," he said.<br /><br />The device was first developed as an alternative to electromyography, a test that assesses the health of muscles and nerve cells.<br /><br />It is an uncomfortable and unpleasant medical procedure that requires patients to lie sedentary in the lab for hours on end.<br /><br />Often a needle is stuck into muscle tissue to record its electrical activity, or patients are swabbed with a cold, sticky gel and attached to unwieldy surface electrodes.<br /><br />"Our tattoo permits patients to carry on with their daily routines, while the electrode monitors their muscle and nerve activity," said Hanein.<br /><br />According to him, the new skin electrode has other important therapeutic applications.<br /><br />The tattoo can be used to monitor the muscle activity of patients with neurodegenerative diseases.<br /><br />"The physiological data measured in specific muscles may be used in the future to indicate the alertness of drivers on the road; patients in rehabilitation following stroke or brain injury may utilise the 'tattoo' to improve muscle control; and amputees may employ it to move artificial limbs with remaining muscles," said Hanein. <br /></p>