Media mention: ‘Easy-to-wear 3D printable hairlike electrode allows for long-term brain monitoring’
May 10, 2025
Where: Interesting Engineering, “Easy-to-wear 3D printable hairlike electrode allows for long-term brain monitoring’”
Who: Researchers at Penn State, led by Tao Zhou, Wormley Family Early Career Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics
What: A news story in Interesting Engineering spotlights a breakthrough by Penn State researchers in brain monitoring technology — a soft, stretchable, and 3D-printable hydrogel electrode that delivers high-quality, long-term electroencephalogram (EEG) data without discomfort. Designed to resemble a strand of hair, the electrode adheres seamlessly to the scalp using a bioadhesive ink, eliminating the need for traditional gels or rigid metal components.
The novel electrode maintains consistent performance during more than 24 hours of continuous use, even during common movements like hair brushing or head turning. Its ability to conform to the scalp while staying lightweight and virtually unnoticeable marks a critical advancement for continuous, non-invasive monitoring of neurological conditions such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, and brain injuries.
This innovation addresses key limitations of conventional EEG systems, which often cause skin irritation, require frequent repositioning, and deliver inconsistent data due to poor electrode-to-scalp contact. By contrast, Penn State’s hairlike electrode offers improved signal stability, better skin interface, and greater wearer comfort — paving the way for use in both clinical diagnostics and consumer wellness technologies.
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