Developing a dry electrode to improve EEG accessibility for all hair types
Official title: A Dry Electrode for Universal Accessibility to EEG
Funded at Quasar, INC. · NIH-10761609 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new type of dry electrode system for brain wave testing that will be easier and more comfortable for people with different hair types, especially those with tightly curled hair, so everyone can participate and help us learn more about how our brains work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Quasar, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $499,996 |
| NIH project number | 1R43NS132644-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10761609 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with tightly curled or styled hair, particularly those of African descent, who may have previously faced barriers to EEG participation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with straight or easily manageable hair types may not experience significant benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a dry electrode system for electroencephalography (EEG) that is designed to be more inclusive for individuals with various hair types, particularly those of African descent. Traditional EEG methods often require scalp abrasion and conductive gels, which can be problematic for tightly curled or styled hair, leading to exclusion from research and potential inaccuracies in data collection. By addressing these accessibility issues, the research aims to enhance the quality of EEG data collected from diverse populations, thereby improving the understanding of brain activity across different demographics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more equitable access to EEG technology, allowing for better representation and understanding of brain activity in diverse populations.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on EEG technology, this specific approach to addressing hair type disparities in EEG accessibility is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Quasar, INC.
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdonald, Neil J — Quasar, INC.
- Study coordinator: Mcdonald, Neil J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Gentle EEG cap to spot seizures in newborns
A soft, easy-to-use EEG cap with dry sensors to help hospitals detect seizures in newborn babies.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.