The Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre, affiliated with the Holst Centre, has developed a wireless 2-channel EEG system powered only by body heat and ambient light.

The hybrid power supply combines a thermoelectric generator that uses the heat dissipated from a person’s temples and silicon photovoltaic cells.

It could be used to monitor brain waves after a head injury. The entire system is wearable and integrated into a device resembling headphones. It can provide an average of more than 1mW indoors.