wireless recording Archives

2025: The Year in Review

As 2025 winds to a close, there is much to celebrate both here at BIOPAC and in the ever-expanding frontiers of research that our products engage with every day. Let’s take a quick look at where we have been over the past 12 months and what the future holds.

Popular Posts

Speaking of engagement, this is the time of year when we do a bit of self-assessment and revisit what topics our readers were most inspired by and most interested in. Apparently, many of our readers are closet gamers at heart, because our blog on research on game design and gaming impacts drove more eyes to our site than any other topic this year, followed by posts on cognitive neuroscience and aging and the human impact of isolation.

New Products and Updates

On the heels of the 2024 release of our flagship MP200 data acquisition and analysis system and a significant upgrade to AcqKnowledge software, 2025 concludes with another milestone: the imminent release of AcqKnowledge 6.0.2. This latest version features a host of improvements and additions, including full integration of MedelOpt+, which blends whole-head functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) with electroencephalography (EEG) in a single, highly flexible device.

BIOPAC in the Lab

Every year, BIOPAC products continue to drive the most exciting research in physiology, psychology, and neurology, and 2025 was no different. Each month, we highlight breakthrough studies in which BIOPAC played a role in gathering and analyzing key data. These are usually centered around a theme and feature research published in the last few years. To close out the year, we like to spotlight a couple of significant studies from 2025 that didn’t get mentioned.

A collaborative study by researchers from the University of Georgia and Beijing Normal University examined how mothers and children coordinate their physiological responses during stressful interactions. Using BIOPAC data acquisition systems coupled with wireless ECG transmitters, the team simultaneously recorded cardiac activity from each participant pair as they completed structured challenge tasks. This setup provided the temporal precision needed to track changes in heart rate and moment-to-moment autonomic synchrony, revealing how caregivers and children influence one another biologically during shared stress. The study found that greater synchrony was linked to both emotional dynamics and regulatory behaviors during the tasks, highlighting the deep coupling between social relationships and physiological responses. The wireless BIOPAC configuration enabled naturalistic interaction while capturing high-quality dyadic data, a persistent challenge in synchrony research.

In its first full year of availability, the MP200 is already making waves in the research community. At Guangdong University of Science and Technology in China, researchers examined how head-shoulder posture and cervical muscle activation differ between college students with chronic neck pain (CNP) and healthy individuals. The team employed surface electromyography (sEMG) recorded with a BIOPAC MP200 data acquisition system and AcqKnowledge software. Researchers placed surface electrodes over targeted neck muscles to record raw EMG signals during various strength tests and physical tasks. Students with CNP demonstrated significantly poorer head and shoulder alignment, reduced neck extensor strength, and altered EMG activity, indicating neuromuscular dysfunction associated with pain. Findings showed the connection between altered posture and impaired muscle function in chronic neck pain. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of surface EMG to support clinical diagnosis and rehabilitation.

For more inspiration as we head into 2026, explore our webinar library for tips, tricks, and methods directly from experts across a range of research fields.

If you are planning to launch a study for 2026, now is the time to reach out to your nearest BIOPAC customer service representative for help finding the right tools to get started.

A Remarkable 2024: Introducing Tools for a Better and Brighter Research Future

As 2024 winds down and we ready the confetti to ring in 2025, we at BIOPAC Systems Inc. want to toot our horn after wrapping up an exciting year of growth and innovation. This year brought some big wins for the research community, thanks to BIOPAC’s efforts to make physiological data acquisition and analysis more accessible and efficient than ever. Two major milestones were the launch of the MP200 system, the latest evolutionary step for our flagship data acquisition platform, and two feature-rich release updates to our AcqKnowledge data acquisition and analysis software.

Introducing the MP200: A New Achievement for Data Acquisition

The MP system series has been the backbone of BIOPAC’s efforts to provide powerful and yet accessible data acquisition tools to researchers. Released in November, the newest incarnation of MP device, the MP200, ushers in a new era of precision, reliability, and flexibility for data acquisition. Designed to meet the evolving needs of researchers, the MP200 offers unparalleled scalability and compatibility with a wide range of physiological signals and measurements. Key enhancements include the following:

Enhanced Signal Quality: The MP200 uses advanced signal processing algorithms to ensure superior data integrity across diverse research applications, from neuroscience to exercise physiology.
Modular Design: The MP200’s modular architecture allows seamless integration with BIOPAC’s extensive sensors and amplifiers, creating near-limitless customization possibilities for complex experimental setups.
Future-Ready Connectivity: The MP200 facilitates real-time collaboration and analysis with high-speed data transfer protocols and cloud integration support.

Researchers will benefit from the MP200’s improved ability to streamline workflows and deliver insights with unmatched precision. This latest system exemplifies BIOPAC’s dedication to fostering groundbreaking discoveries in physiology and related fields.

AcqKnowledge Updates: Pioneering the Future of Data Analysis

AcqKnowledge data acquisition and analysis software has been a go-to tool for researchers for decades, and 2024 saw two major updates that brought exponential improvements: versions 5.0.10 and 6.0.0. These updates are packed with features that make data collection and analysis easier and more comprehensive.

One of the most impactful new licensed features is the integration of Lab Streaming Layer (LSL). This feature lets researchers sync and stream data from multiple sources in real time. Whether one is working on interdisciplinary projects or using several devices at once, LSL makes it simple to bring everything together for analysis. LSL also opens the door to a host of new products from our partners for which BIOPAC has added integration in AcqKnowledge. These include the Axon-R brain-computer interface (BCI) hub with augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) and the APEX wearable, wireless EEG system. Other new products have also been integrated into AcqKnowledge and are now available from BIOPAC, including new eye tracking products from Tobii and EyeLogic.

Another game-changing licensed addition, AcqKnowledge Cloud, allows users to securely store their data online, streamlining processes to access, share, and work on data from any location. Collaboration between teams is also easier, and users no longer need to worry about managing large files on their local system.

These updates are all about making work less complicated and more effective for researchers. With tools like these, diving into complex data, finding patterns, and pushing one’s research further has never been more straightforward.

Looking Ahead to 2025

More excitement is on the horizon for BIOPAC. Not only are several new product updates and releases in the works, but we will also be hosting our bi-annual 4T Human Physiology Conference on Tools, Trends, Techniques, and Technologies. Customers, educators, researchers, and other experts in Physiology and related fields will gather in Santa Barbara, California July 14-16. Participants will share knowledge, take part in hands-on workshops, and see what is shaping the future of research. Learn more and sign up today. Hopefully, we will be seeing you in 2025.

Free Your EEG: Wireless and Wearable Systems for the Lab and Beyond

The evolution of wearable technology for recording physiological signals represents a transformative leap for research, particularly when it comes to electroencephalography (EEG). These advancements allow researchers to capture brain activity data in real-world settings, moving beyond the confines of laboratory-based experiments. Mobile and wearable EEG devices utilize wireless technology to transmit data, offering significant advantages over traditional methods.

Everyone aspires to more freedom—to speak, think, or move about as one pleases. Should researchers be any different? Why be shackled to the static wires and cables of the lab, when one can release study participants with the help of mobile and wearable technology?

EEG is a cornerstone in the study of brain activity, providing insights into the electrical patterns generated by neuronal firing. EEG has traditionally been used in physiology and psychophysiology research to understand brain function, monitor cognitive states, and investigate neural responses to various stimuli. The conventional EEG setup typically involves a stationary system with numerous electrodes affixed to the scalp using a conductive gel, which can limit the subject’s movement and impact the naturalistic settings of studies.

One of the primary benefits of mobile and wearable EEG systems is their ability to record brain activity during dynamic, everyday activities. This capability provides a more comprehensive understanding of how the brain responds to real-world stimuli and stressors, as opposed to controlled, static environments. For instance, researchers can now study cognitive processes in natural settings like workplaces or homes, enhancing the ecological validity of their findings.

A study by the School of Architecture at the University of Liverpool provides an example in which researchers leveraged wearable EEG technology when comparing subjective and physiological responses to noise within wooden buildings. The research team conducted listening tests using EEG data recorded via the B-Alert X-24 wireless headset system, which allowed participants to “sit comfortably in a simulated living room” while listening to a variety of sounds that were both airborne and resonating through the floors. Participants rated their level of noise annoyance on an 11-point scale and results were compared to EEG data. In discussing the design of their study, the authors highlighted the importance of incorporating noninvasive, wearable technology, stating, “Among the several options available for measuring physiological reactions to auditory stimuli, contemporary technologies made possible the recording of EEG in a relatively easy way by means of portable devices. These offer the precious opportunity of acquiring data directly from the scalp, where brain activity is detectable almost instantaneously in synchrony with the stimulus presentation.”

Similarly, when studying occurrences of hyperventilation among a participant group with a range of anxiety-related disorders, researchers from Yale University turned to a BIOPAC BioNomadix wireless receiver to gather EEG signal data. By attaching individual electrodes to a third-party cap that connected wirelessly to a BIOPAC data acquisition and analysis system, they minimized the discomfort and restriction of movement that may have resulted from a wired solution, thereby influencing participants’ response to stimuli.

Researchers at the Transylvania University of Brașov in Romania faced similar demands that required a flexible noninvasive means to record surface EEG signals from participants as they responded to a variety of colors and patterns with the goal of better understanding the complexity of human color and texture perception. The research team compared participants’ subjective responses to EEG responses via Event-Related Potentials and computational measurements of color and texture. EEG data was gathered with a cap-based BioNomadix wireless system and analyzed using AcqKnowledge software. The study’s authors explained their choice of wireless EEG recording devices as follows: “Since human users are the target, it is important to focus the technology development towards small-scale, wearable, wireless systems that provide flexibility, easy use and comfort to the user side, while at the same time maintaining high signal quality.”

Additional wearable EEG options available through BIOPAC include the MedelOpt Mobility EEG system, combining wearable EEG and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology with advanced signal processing and robust data transmission capabilities. APEX wireless EEG systems further enhance the landscape with their ability to record high-quality EEG data with flexibility for a range of applications from cognitive neuroscience to mental workload studies. Learn more about recording EEG data by watching our webinar: A Beginner’s Guide to EEG.

Are you interested in unlocking the benefits of mobile and wireless EEG for your next research project? Let our staff of experts find the right tools for you.

Put a Ring on It: Wearables Offer New Research Options

Rings, watches, bracelets, and belts—we think of them as indispensable fashion accessories. A bit of bling can put the finishing touch on an outfit for a night on the town, but what about a day in the lab? Wearable technology is transforming the landscape of physiology research by enabling real-time, noninvasive data collection in a variety of settings.

For many, their first introduction to the potential of wearable physiology technology came through smartwatches and fitness bracelets. These consumer electronics offer a convenient and affordable way for anyone from professional athletes to fitness hobbyists to monitor their health data, which often includes pulse, blood oxygen levels, steps, and other basic physiological signals.

As the underlying technology has become more sophisticated, researchers have embraced the convenience offered by such devices. Portable, unobtrusive, and wireless wearables have entered the research device market and now allow a range of signals to be monitored under a variety of circumstances and environments.

BIOPAC recently expanded its established line of wireless devices by introducing the Research Ring, a wearable device with a specific focus on physiological signals such as Photoplethysmography (PPG), Electrodermal Activity (EDA), Electrocardiography (ECG), and body temperature. Products like the Research Ring allow the capture of high-quality data via an unintrusive and accessible wearable device, making them ideal for a wide range of potential applications. These include psychophysiology research, sports and exercise studies, sleep and stress research, and aging and wellness studies, to name just a few.

BIOPAC is no newcomer to providing the research and education communities with wireless and portable solutions designed for gathering physiological data. The Bionomadix line of wearable remote monitoring devices set the standard for such products and have been used in thousands of cited studies. For example, researchers conducting a study of on-the-job stress among healthcare professionals collected EDA and PPG signals using a BIOPAC wireless PPG and EDA amplifier and a wireless respiration with ECG amplifier. Wireless technology proved to be a key component of the study’s success as it allowed the data to be gathered without interfering with the immersive quality of the simulated work environment.

A team of researchers from the University of Porto in Portugal utilized a BIOPAC wearable physiological signal logger to collect EDA and ECG data while studying the correlation between physiological signals and expressive writing. In the study, published in the journal Experimental Psychology, participants were able to engage in writing exercises without the distraction of more cumbersome and intrusive wired solutions.

BIOPAC’s latest entry into its line of wearable wireless data collection devices promises to add greater convenience and versatility to this burgeoning sector. For more information on the new Research Ring, check out the recent webinar BIOPAC hosted with ring developer and partner, Senstream.

If you are interested in adding wearable devices to your next physiology study, reach out to your regional sales representative today to learn which BIOPAC wireless solutions are right for you.

Tips for implanting rodent pups with the Epoch wireless recording system

Implanting pups can be tricky, yet their value as neonatal models of human disease is key.

Tips for implanting rodent pups with the Epoch wireless recording system

The Epoch system enables recording 2 or 4 channels of EEG from neonatal rodents as young as postnatal day 10 (P10) in mice and P6 in rats using the 2-week transmitter. Implanting pups can be tricky—their skulls are very thin and the small size of the animals is difficult to work with. Yet, their value as neonatal models of human disease is key to developing new therapies or understanding neural dysfunction at such an early age.

Our experience has led to the following tips for maximizing the success of implanted pups:

Allow pups time to recover. Although recordings can commence immediately, we recommend waiting 24 hours before commencing recordings to allow a fuller recovery.

Limit recording time. Recording from rodent pups should be limited to about 2 h at a time, preferably in a temperature- and humidity-controlled incubator.

Keep pre-weened pups in their dam’s presence as often as possible. Pups rely on the dam for complete care.

Cull the litter to 4-6 pups. The dam may have issues with pups that are overly cold, not feeding often enough, or simply due to the presence of the transmitter.

Implant all pups. It may be helpful to implant all pups in a litter either with Epoch transmitters or sham transmitters (sham transmitters are available, contact us).

Use chew toys to prevent damage from the dam. Chew toys, such as nylabones, may help prevent the dam from chewing on the transmitters.

Mind the state of the dam. Ultimately, the health and disposition of the dam may affect how she tolerates pups implanted with the Epoch transmitters.

Epoch, the smallest wireless EEG transmitter system available, is provided by BIOPAC to make quality EEG recordings from an early age possible. The Epoch transmitter is simply implanted to the skull of the animal with medical cyanoacrylate, requiring no bone screws. Surgery is quick and simple, requiring a small incision on the scalp, removal of the periosteum with 1% hydrogen peroxide, drilling small holes for the electrodes using a burr-type drill, implanting the transmitter, and re-absorbable sutures.

For more information on BIOPAC’s wide range of tools for recording, displaying, and analyzing EEG signals from human and animal subjects, including automated EEG analysis, seizure detection, evoked responses and many others, visit BIOPAC’s EEG Analysis page or view BIOPAC’s full line of electrodes, amplifiers, and wearable, wireless transmitters and loggers.

BIOPAC Systems, Inc. provides life science researchers and educators with data acquisition and analysis systems that inspire people and enable greater discovery about life. Visit us at www.biopac.com.