Brain Sensors?

[DivideByZero]

Hey guys.

 

Does anyone know what type of sensors are used to determine brain activity?

I'm talking about the ones that you often see in TV or online. The sensors connect to the computer and show peaks and activity when a person is thinking about something. Where can I buy these type of sensors?

 

I'm expecting it to be very expensive so is it possible for me to make my own by buying a different type of sensor and modding it?

 

Do the brain sensors measure vibration or electric activity?

 

Thanks for all the help in advance.

[iNow]

I think you're referring to EEG (electro-encepholagram) electrodes. Something like the below (I'm not endorsing this site, just found it at the top of a google search):

 

http://www.electrodestore.com/EEG/EEG.lasso?ran=A285385&S=10&T=oops

 

 

 

More on EEGs here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eeg

[blazarwolf]

EEGs show electrical activity, PET scans show activity (glucose), X-Rays show topography(better word for the druken), MRI shows blood flow (wait is this drunk wrong?).

[DivideByZero]

Wow! I can buy EEG Electrodes for just $28?

I know what I want for Christmas!!!

[iNow]

What are you going to hook them up to? Or, is this for some sort of elaborate halloween costume?

[DivideByZero]

I want to hook them to my (or anyone else's) brain and see the activity of each section of my brain on my computer.

 

I'm just interested in the brain but don't want to take biology because I don't want to study ecology, etc. I'm definitely going to take some course in neurology in grad school.

[DevilSolution]

One method is by using specific organometallic ligands that act as inhibitors to neurotransmitter receptors i think. Some sort of radiation is created when the chemical used by the neuron which a positron emission tomograpy machine will capture. Lots of different ligands are used for different inhibitors. Think thats sort of accurate.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioligand to be precise.

 

Lots have been found that arent in the list, not sure exactly what equipment is needed to capture the process yet.

Edited March 21, 2013 by DevilSolution