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70 PCB007 MAGAZINE I JANUARY 2024 incredibly powerful tool records the electrical activity of our hearts. By placing electrodes on our skin, this device traces the periodic dance of charged ions in our heart muscles. is dance, known as the cardiac cycle, provides valuable information about our heart's health. Irregular- ities in this rhythm can hint at a wide range of cardiac conditions, from arrhythmias to heart attacks. With cardiovascular disease as the lead- ing cause of death globally, the ECG is one of the most important tools in all of healthcare. Impedance Cardiogram (ICG) If the ECG gives us the rhythm, then an impedance cardiogram (ICG) adds depth to our understanding of heart health. It mea- sures changes in electrical impedance within the chest to determine the heart's stroke vol- ume, cardiac output, and even fluid levels in the body. is non-invasive technique can be a game-changer for diagnosing conditions like heart failure, offering valuable insights into how well the heart functions and the body's fluid balance. Unmasking Cancer: Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) When it comes to cancer diagnoses, electri- cal impedance tomography (EIT) is a silent superhero. EIT uses a harmless electrical cur- rent to create cross-sectional images of the body's tissues. It can identify abnormalities like tumors by measuring how electrical cur- rents pass through different types of tissues. is technology offers a radiation-free and less invasive alternative to traditional imaging methods like X-rays and CT scans, making it particularly promising for pediatric and breast cancer diagnoses. Beyond BMI: Body Composition Analysis Our weight may be a significant indicator of our health, but it's only part of the story. Body composition analysis (BCA) takes the concept of "knowing thyself " to a whole new level. By passing a low-level electrical current through the body, BCA distinguishes between fat, mus- cle, and other tissues. is allows for a more accurate assessment of health risks associ- ated with body composition, such as obesity- related conditions. It's a valuable tool for those aiming to achieve a healthier, more balanced physique. Neural Engineering: Monitoring Brain Health e power of electricity doesn't stop with the heart and body composition. It extends to the command center of our bodies: the brain. Neuroelectrics, a field that combines neurosci- ence and electrical engineering, is advancing our understanding of brain health and disor- ders. Electroencephalograms (EEGs) record electrical activity in the brain, helping to diag- nose conditions like epilepsy and to monitor brain function during surgeries. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) uses low cur- rents to modulate brain activity and has shown potential in treating conditions like depression and chronic pain. In conclusion, the marriage of electricity and medical technology has ushered in a new era of healthcare. From understanding our heart's rhythms to diagnosing cancer and assessing body composition, these electrifying advance- ments are revolutionizing how we monitor and maintain our health. So, the next time you plug in your device, remember that electricity is not just powering your gadgets; it's also shedding light on your well-being, one electric pulse at a time. Embrace this electrifying era of health- care and take charge of your health, quite liter- ally. PCB007 Henry Crandall is the IPC Student Board Member. He is a graduate of University of Utah and currently pursuing a PhD in electrical engineering as the Advancing Research in College Scientists Graduate Fellow. To read past columns, click here.