Latest news with #UTAustin
NDTV
5 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
This Wireless E-Tattoo Decodes Brainwaves To Monitor And Predict Mental Strain
Mental well-being has become a crucial concern in today's fast-paced world, with rising stress and lifestyle demands impacting nearly every aspect of life. Now, researchers have developed a groundbreaking temporary tattoo that can measure mental strain by decoding brainwaves, offering a lightweight, wireless alternative to bulky headgear. Published May 29 in the Cell Press journal Device, the study introduces a non-permanent wireless forehead e-tattoo that decodes brainwaves to measure mental strain without bulky headgear. This technology may help track the mental workload of workers like air traffic controllers and truck drivers, whose lapses in focus can have serious consequences. "Technology is developing faster than human evolution. Our brain capacity cannot keep up and can easily get overloaded," says Nanshu Lu, the study's author, from the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) in a statement."There is an optimal mental workload for optimal performance, which differs from person to person." Humans perform best in a cognitive Goldilocks zone, neither overwhelmed nor bored. Finding that balance is key to optimal performance. Current mental workload assessment relies on the NASA Task Load Index, a lengthy and subjective survey participants complete after performing tasks. The e-tattoo offers an objective alternative by analysing electrical activity from the brain and eye movement in processes known as electroencephalography (EEG) and electrooculography (EOG). Unlike EEG caps that are bulky with dangling wires and lathered with squishy gel, the wireless e-tattoo consists of a lightweight battery pack and paper-thin, sticker-like sensors. These sensors feature wavy loops and coils, a design that allows them to stretch and conform seamlessly to the skin for comfort and clear signals. "What's surprising is those caps, while having more sensors for different regions of the brain, never get a perfect signal because everyone's head shape is different," says Lu. "We measure participants' facial features to manufacture personalised e-tattoos to ensure that the sensors are always in the right location and receiving signals." The researchers tested the e-tattoo on six participants who completed a memory challenge that increased in difficulty. As mental load rose, participants showed higher activity in theta and delta brainwaves, signalling increased cognitive demand, while alpha and beta activity decreased, indicating mental fatigue. The results suggest that the device can detect when the brain is struggling. The device didn't stop at detection. It could also predict mental strain. The researchers trained a computer model to estimate mental workload based on signals from the e-tattoo, successfully distinguishing between different levels of mental workload. The results show that the device can potentially predict mental fatigue.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
New face tattoo protects your brain from working too hard, scientists say
A newly developed face tattoo can see when the brain is working too hard – which it probably is, according to the researchers who developed it. The new electronic device sits on the face and is able to measure mental strain, without the bulky headgear that might traditionally be used. The researchers who created it suggest that the technology could be used to track the mental workload of air traffic controllers, trick drivers and others who are required to keep intense concentration for long periods of time. Everyone works best by balancing the intensity of their thinking, ensuring that they are neither overwhelmed or bored. But it can be difficult to find that balance, and current work depends largely on a long study taken by participants after they have completed a task. "Technology is developing faster than human evolution. Our brain capacity cannot keep up and can easily get overloaded," said Nanshu Lu, the study's author, from the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin). 'There is an optimal mental workload for optimal performance, which differs from person to person.' Researchers hope the 'e-tattoo' can help. It works by analysing electrical activity from the brain and eye movements. Doing so usually requires a complex cap attached by dangling wires, but the tattoo is a lightweight battery pack and sensors that stick to the skin. The thin and stretchy nature of the sensors means that they can fit around face shape of the person wearing it. That could mean that the results are actually better than those complicated and bulky caps, the creators say. 'What's surprising is those caps, while having more sensors for different regions of the brain, never get a perfect signal because everyone's head shape is different,' said Lu. 'We measure participants' facial features to manufacture personalized e-tattoos to ensure that the sensors are always in the right location and receiving signals.' To test the system, researchers put the tattoo on six participants who were then set a memory challenge that got progressively harder. As it did so and their mental load increased, the researchers could see the effects: theta and delta brainwaves increased, suggesting they were experiencing cognitive demand, and alpha and beta activity increased in line with their fatigue. Researchers hope those same methods can be used to understand when the brain is struggling. It might also be able to predict when that is happening, by helping train a computer model that can predict the load of a given activity. The research is described in a new paper, 'A Wireless Forehead E-tattoo for Mental Workload Estimation', published in the journal Device. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
See time, location of UT Austin's university-wide commencement and fireworks display
It's graduation weekend for UT Austin students, and the Texas capital is already buzzing with excitement. Whether you're a student closing a chapter and beginning a new one or a guest celebrating a student, here are some quick pointers for Saturday's university-wide ceremony. The University of Texas at Austin's graduation ceremony will be held Saturday, May 10 at 7 p.m. at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Each year, UT Austin's university-wide ceremony includes: Distinguished speaker Taylor Sheridan The conferring of degrees by the university president The traditional lighting of the Tower A fireworks display This year's commencement speaker is Taylor Sheridan, the acclaimed screenwriter and director best known for the hit Paramount Network series "Yellowstone" and its Texas-filmed spin-offs "1883" and "1923." He is also the creator of "Landman," largely filmed in Texas, which offers a glimpse into the lives of oil rig workers and draws on insight from Texans to ensure accuracy. 'As a native Texan and a visionary storyteller, Taylor Sheridan has redefined the modern Western genre while remaining deeply connected to the spirit and resilience of our great state,' said UT interim President Jim Davis. 'His journey to the top of the entertainment field is a testament to the power of hard work, creativity and staying true to one's roots — values that resonate deeply with Longhorn Nation. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Forty Acres as this year's ceremony speaker.' Sheridan also owns and operates two Texas ranches, including the legendary Four Sixes (6666) Ranch. He is not a graduate of the university but briefly attended Texas State University just down the road before leaving school in 1991. No, guests are not required to purchase or obtain tickets to the University-Wide Ceremony. However, graduates can only participate in the main graduation if they registered and secured a ticket via email and the Texas Athletics ticketing platform. The tickets will grant access to graduate seating on the field. Saturday's UT Austin commencement ceremony will conclude with its traditional fireworks display. The ceremony will last around 90 minutes. The University of Texas at Austin will have special parking areas on campus that are free for graduates and guests attending commencement events. Officials ask those parking on campus to note the signs for garages and lots. All campus parking garages have ADA accessible spaces, which are available to guests with valid placards or license plates. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: UT Austin Commencement 2025: See time, location of main ceremony
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
UT Austin invests $100 million into new school of civic leadership
The Brief UT Austin investing $100 million into new School of Civic Leadership School will be housed in renovated UT Biological Laboratories building Renovation is expected to be done by 2028 AUSTIN, Texas - The study of civics with a strong emphasis on the Constitution and capitalism is getting a permanent home at the University of Texas at Austin. What we know The University will spend $100 million to renovate the UT Biological Laboratories building for its newly created School of Civic Leadership. The renovation is to be done by 2028 and the money is coming from the Permanent University Fund which can be used for capital improvements. The first students studying civics leadership started classes last fall, at another building, and this fall the first 100 freshmen majoring in civics honors will start. A major in civic leadership can lead to jobs in politics, sales, public relations, and journalism. It can also be used to track into several master's programs including law school. A minor in civic leadership can pair with degrees in accounting, education and even careers in healthcare. What they're saying The top two leaders in Texas were on hand Thursday afternoon for the multi-million-dollar announcement for the School of Civic Leadership. The new academic track at UT Austin was described as a turning point in education. Gov. Greg Abbott praised the investment, saying it shows a commitment by administrators to teach future leaders the basic principles of constitutional democracy. "There's been a dramatic departure from those principles and precepts over the past one or two decades, has been to the detriment of this university, our state, and our country. We need to get back on the pathway of ensuring that we are educating our students with the leading concepts that have led to the great country we are," said Abbott. Critics of the School of Civic Leadership have said it is part of a long-running effort by Texas Republicans to counter what conservatives claim is a liberal bias in the classroom. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick noted the effort to create this program began four years ago with what was to be the Liberty Institute. The effort, which promised a $6 million investment, failed to materialize. On Thursday, Patrick noted that while it took a while to revive the plan, the idea has returned bigger and better. "This is a crowning achievement, and this will lead other universities around the country to follow. Because of what Texas does, everyone looks to, whether it's the legislature or whether its higher institutions of education. You know, the world needs a strong America. There's enough chaos as there is, even as strong as we are, and America needs a stronger Texas. That's just the bottom line," said Patrick. The Source Information in this report comes from reporting by FOX 7 Austin's chief political reporter Rudy Koski.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
UT Austin invests $100M in permanent home for School of Civic Leadership
AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The inaugural class of 100 Civics Honors freshman starting at the University of Texas at Austin this fall should have a full-time home by the time they're seniors. On Thursday, the Board of Regents announced a $100 million investment to renovate the school's Biological Laboratories building to host the upstart School of Civic Leadership. 'We have needed a place where civic education is focused on the foundational principles of our constitutional democracy,' Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife said. 'The School of Civic Leadership at UT Austin is that place, and today we are giving it a permanent home.' The School of Civic Leadership was founded in 2023 as the newest of UT Austin's 19 schools and colleges 'to equip the next generation of leaders with the philosophical, economic and historical understanding needed to preserve constitutional democracy.' Currently the school is housed in UT's Littlefield House. Study ranks UT Austin one of Texas' 'best value' colleges 'This is a bold investment that empowers the School of Civic Leadership to fulfill its mission to prepare leaders committed to the principles of freedom, self-government and civic responsibility,' School of Civic Leadership Dean Justin Dyer said. During Thursday's event, Dyer and Eltife were joined by Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and UT Austin's Interim President Jim Davis. 'With regards to classic education — classic civics to say the least — there's been a dramatic departure from those principle and precepts over the past one to two decades,' Abbott said. 'That's been to the detriment of this university, our state and our country. We need to get back on the pathway of ensuring that we're educating our students with the leading concepts that have led to the great country we are.' 'People can die of exposure.' Is musician payout worth the prestige of playing SXSW? 'I believe students will flock to this,' Patrick said. 'You'll have to build a second building, a third building and a fourth building because I think there's a real thirst by young people.' The renovations are expected to be completed in 2028. Existing programs within the Biological Laboratories building will be moved to more modernized lab facilities on campus. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
