The tattoo invented by a student at the University of Kent that can detect brain waves

by Martin Jefferies

mjefferies@thekmgroup.co.uk

A temporary tattoo that could save lives has been developed by experts at the University of Kent.

The ultra-thin tattoo uses a special type of ink capable of detecting brainwaves and tiny electronic components which send wireless signals.

Children undergoing tests for epilepsy at Great Ormond Street Hospital could soon be given the tattoos to avoid hooking them up with tubes and cables.

It is hoped the data sent to doctors would be more accurate, because the tattoos are less intrusive and allow youngsters to behave as they would do normally.

The tattoos could also feature cartoon characters to make them even more appealing.

Dr John Batchelor, one of the researchers at the university's Canterbury campus who helped develop the tattoo, said: "Children can be tethered to machines for long periods of time, perhaps up to a day, and of course they don't behave naturally when they have lots of cables hanging from them."

"It spoils the measurements because doctors need to know the brain functions in normal situations."

Explaining how the tattoo works, Dr Batchelor said: "It's similar to the electronics you sometimes see on the back of the barcode label of something you buy from a shop, which sets off an alarm if you walk out without paying."

A team at the University of Kent will spend the next three years developing the tattoos and identifying further uses for them.

It is hoped they will eventually be able to detect other medical signs such as heart beat and alert patients at an early stage to any deterioration in their health.

They could even be used by firefighters and police officers to keep tabs on their health in extreme conditions.