Wireless headset can diagnose epilepsy

LEUVEN, Belgium--Imagine a $200 wireless headset that can pick up brain signals with enough sensitivity to diagnose epilepsy or help someone with attention deficit learn more effectively. That was the goal of a collaboration among two research institutes and Panasonic here.

The group demonstrated a second-generation wireless headset with greater accuracy and flexibility and more ease of use than a prototype shown in 2010. The new headset replaces passive with active electrodes, can add electrodes as needed, has less interference and does a better job tracking and correcting motion artifacts.

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The device is going into pre-clinical validation now. It is already measuring signals closely correlated to the current more expensive and bulky wired systems in use.

The wireless electroencephalogram (EEG) headset was developed by the Imec research institute here along with Panasonic and the Holst Centre in the Netherlands. The headset can continuously record up to eight EEG signals.

Separately, Imec announced it is working with Tokyo Electron Ltd. (TEL) to develop imagers and sensors to assist in growing stem cells outside the human body. "There’s a lot of interest in growing cells for tissues and ultimately organ transplants," said Paru Deshpande, program director for life sciences at Imec.

The project marks the first time TEL will send a resident researcher to Imec. The two have collaborated for many years on semiconductor programs.