Thanks to the generosity of researchers from the Silesian University of Technology and its Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, students from Class 3c had the opportunity to conduct research on the effects of blue light on the basic waves and rhythms of the electroencephalographic (EEG) signal using the BIOPAC MP36 biomedical signal recording system.
The equipment also enabled the recording of EEG signals live during the lesson, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of how this diagnostic method works. Two students, Natalia Piechula and Marianna Zarychta, presented the results of their research on the impact of blue light emitted by digital devices on brain activity.
Blue light is a form of high-energy visible (HEV) light with wavelengths ranging from 380 to 500 nanometers. Modern displays—including LCD screens with LED backlighting and OLED panels—use light sources that naturally produce a strong peak in the blue-light spectrum, making images brighter and more vivid. However, exposure to blue light in the evening can suppress the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. As a result, the brain may be “tricked” into thinking it is still daytime, making it more difficult to fall asleep and potentially disrupting the body’s natural circadian rhythm.
A biology lesson incorporating electroencephalography (EEG) proved to be an engaging and highly visual way to explore the workings of the human nervous system. The use of wireless EEG headbands allowed students to observe their brain waves in real time on a monitor, bringing neuroscience to life in the classroom. 🧠⚡🔬
