A century after the first recording of human brain activity, experts are remembering its significance and outlining their visions and priorities for the future.
Since the pioneering recording in July 1924, electroencephalography (EEG) has been crucial in advancing our comprehension of brain functions and dysfunctions. Most notably, it has transformed the clinical diagnosis of epilepsy, allowing it to be recognized as a brain activity disorder rather than merely a personality issue.
Now, a hundred years later, over 500 specialists from all corners of the world have been invited to consider how this revolutionary technique has influenced the field and to discuss future challenges and goals.
In a survey coordinated by academics from the University of Leeds, participants with a combined experience of 6,685 years shared their insights about potential future advancements in EEG, assessing a range from ‘essential for progress’ to ‘unlikely’ and projecting timelines for these innovations. The findings were released on August 22, 2024, in the journal Nature Human Behaviour.
Futuristic Innovations
The survey included a variety of exciting innovations that could potentially be realized in the next generation. These advancements include using EEG to improve mental performance, identify learning disabilities early, serve as a lie detection tool, and act as a main communication method for individuals with severe physical disabilities or locked-in syndrome.
Experts believe that obtaining real-time diagnoses of brain irregularities, like seizures or tumors, could be achievable within the next 10 to 14 years. However, the ability to interpret dreams or recall long-term memories through EEG technology is thought by some to be over 50 years away, while others consider it more science fiction than a viable future.
Interestingly, the survey indicates that within a generation, we might all have our own portable EEG devices.
Co-author Dominik Welke, a Research Fellow at the University of Leeds, suggested, “They could become as commonplace as smartphones, providing individuals with daily insights into their physiological conditions and improving their lives.”
He further stated, “One promising application for EEG could be monitoring alertness levels for drivers or pilots, acting as a safety system that detects fatigue and triggers reminders or alerts to a co-pilot to take over.”
Notably, the equipment used for EEG has remained fundamentally unchanged since psychiatrist Hans Berger first utilized it on July 6, 1924. However, the way we analyze and utilize digitally recorded data has evolved significantly.
EEG systems, which comprise simply of electrodes and an amplifier, are becoming more affordable and user-friendly, along with their non-invasive characteristics making them increasingly accessible to broader audiences.
Reducing Health Inequalities
The anticipated rise of EEG use in gaming and virtual reality—in about 20 years—excites gamers, but the more significant prospect for scientists and healthcare professionals lies in how this wider accessibility can connect with communities that typically lack involvement in EEG studies, especially in lower-income nations unable to invest in advanced imaging technologies.
Furthermore, advancements in AI technology are expected to enhance data analysis efficiency and speed.
Dr. Welke remarked, “Looking ahead, the hardware is relatively easy and inexpensive to produce, and with new computational technologies, we are equipped to expand EEG use to a much larger audience.”
“Unlike other imaging methods, like MRI or invasive tools, EEG has the ability to democratize neuroimaging for populations globally.”
Lead author Professor Faisal Mushtaq, a specialist in Cognitive Science and Director of the Centre for Immersive Technologies at the University of Leeds, pointed out, “Most of the data we currently possess about the human brain is drawn from a limited demographic.”
He added, “This limitation inhibits our ability to generalize results and enhance global brain health. EEG is very cost-effective and logistically feasible as a neuroimaging tool suitable for various environments. It can help create a more inclusive and representative neuroscience community.”
Professor Mushtaq also mentioned, “Our partners at the Global Brain Consortium are paving the way for broader engagement, which will likely lead to groundbreaking discoveries regarding brain functionality.”
Ethical Questions
Though there is optimism regarding the new marketing and technological opportunities for EEG, experts also expressed concerns regarding the need for adherence to established standards and ethical considerations sparked by novel commercial uses and the temptation of ‘neuroenhancement.’
Dr. Welke cautioned, “It is quite possible that multinational tech companies would be intrigued by the potential of EEG and other neuroimaging technologies to gather extensive information about their users’ preferences and emotions continuously. But should we permit such applications?”
He continued, “There are significant concerns regarding cognitive autonomy and mental privacy, which highlights the importance of responsibility, as new tech applications typically bring forth new ethical dilemmas.”
The survey also aimed to pinpoint the EEG research community’s priorities for guiding future initiatives. Participants evaluated the significance of various potential advancements in EEG research relevant to their work.
Professor Mushtaq reflected, “I believe that when EEG is combined with technologies like AI and virtual reality, it could revolutionize our interactions with machines, ultimately playing a crucial role in scientific and societal progress over the coming century.”
He emphasized, “To realize this potential, the neuroscience community—spanning academia, clinical practice, and industry—must commit to promoting ethical, inclusive, and sustainable practices.”
This project involved over 90 contributors, from emerging researchers to established leaders in the field, collectively identified as the EEG100 consortium.
It originated from a collaboration between #EEGManyLabs, an international network assessing the reliability of notable EEG experiments, and the Global Brain Consortium, a diverse coalition focused on achieving improved health outcomes worldwide.
The last author, Pedro Antonio Valdés-Sosa, who directs the China Cuba Laboratory for Neurotechnology at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China/Cuban Neuroscience Center, commented, “In several nations, including Cuba, we have shown that EEG can facilitate massive screenings for certain nervous system disorders at a population level.”
He noted, “This technology is particularly suitable when resources are scarce, as is often the case in marginalized communities globally.”
Dr. Sadhana Sharma, Head of Health Strategy Bioscience at the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), which funded the research, stated, “EEG technology has the power to reshape how we approach daily activities and diagnose and treat neurological conditions in the future, making vital insights into brain health accessible to diverse populations globally.”
She concluded, “As we embrace advancements in bioscience, our emphasis remains on fostering interdisciplinary collaborations aimed at driving ethical, equitable, and impactful progress in brain science worldwide.”
