There are quite a few technologies available that enable us to read weak biological signals. Did you know that we are able to read brain signals using headsets? Here is a list of some that have been available to the general public since 2017 – like these earbuds that can detect EEG signals.
Signals generated by the brain vary in intensity. We can now detect some of the larger signals at other points in the body (not just the skull), like hands. Or using an arm band. Or using modified headphones.
A company lead by Mary Lou Jepsen called, “Openwater“, is making an adaptation of existing MRI technology that allows you to review the electrical signals generated by the brain and body, but using a low-cost wearable. Watch a cool Tedx Talk video here, and a presentation at Stanford here.
The BREAKBEN team at Aalto University has designed and built highly sensitive magnetometers, which are able to pick up and combine high quality signals for two principal scanning techniques for the human brain: MEG (magnetoencephalography) and ULF MRI (ultra-low-field magnetic resonance imaging).
Scientists have been able to accurately map brain activity from precise regions deep within the brain at a resolution of 100 micrometers using a fUS device, essentially providing a non-invasive way of decoding the brains intentions.
Find a list of technologies below:
| Optical Magnetometers Device used to measure the magnetic fields generated by single nerves from outside the body and at room temperature | Electroencephalogram (EEG) – reading electrical signals generated by the brain | Electrocardiogram (ECG) – measures the electrical activity of the heart |
| Electromyography (EMG) – measures the electrical activity generated by the skeletal muscles | Magnetoencephalogram (MEG) – measures the magnetic fields generated by the electrical activity in the brain. Here is one that operates at room temperature – another article here | Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) – technology that measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow (as it increases during the thought process) – here is an article that describes how this technology works in more detail |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – a technology used to image pictures of the anatomy and the physiological functions of the body using strong magnetic fields – and provide an ability to read signals generated by the brain | TRIMprob (Tissue Resonance InterferoMeter Probe) – a portable system for non-invasive diagnosis of biological diseases | Event-related Optical Signal (EROS) – a neuroimaging technique that uses infrared light through optical fibers to measure changes in optical properties active areas of the cerebral cortex |
| Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) – technology that uses magnets to induce currents in the brain (another article here) | Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) – measuring the electrical conductance of the skin | Transcranial Direct-current Stimulation (tDCS) – electrically stimulates the brain using constant, low direct current delivered via electrodes on the head |
| Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) – a very sensitive magnetometer used to measure extremely subtle magnetic fields | Optogenics – technology that uses light to control neurons (here is another article) | fUS – functional ultrasound – a method to read bloodflow in the brain, which can be directly linked to brain activity, and that can accurately map brain activity from precise regions deep within the brain at a resolution of 100 micrometers |
| Ultrahigh Input Impedance Electric Potential Sensors – these sensors, requiring no electrical or physical contact with the body, can be used to monitor human electroencephalogram (EEG). | Quantum Magnetmometry – highly sensitive ultra small magnetometer, capable of detecting a the magnetic field of a single spin, that uses magnets and diamonds |