The Alcohol Research Lab at UIUC is seeking participants for ongoing studies
One of the studies conducted by UIUC's Alcohol Research Lab explores the potential of a device, known as a transdermal biosensor, that researchers believe could be like a “Fitbit” for alcohol. Another study looks at how social interactions impact drinking behavior.
CHAMPAIGN — The Alcohol Research Lab at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is seeking participants for several ongoing research studies on alcohol consumption.
One of the studies is exploring the potential of a device, known as a transdermal biosensor, that researchers believe could be like a “Fitbit” for alcohol.
Transdermal biosensors work by detecting alcohol that diffuses through a person’s skin in the form of sweat and water vapor, said Rosalie Ruhlmann, a senior research coordinator at the lab.
“Transdermal monitors rest on the surface of the inside of your wrist, and they’re able to detect how much alcohol you’ve had to drink,” she said.
The study consists of three lab sessions that take place over two weeks. Participants consume alcohol and wear the bracelets while doing stimulating activities like a bike workout.
Ruhlmann said the study aims to test the accuracy of these bracelet biosensors.
“This technology is really new, so we don’t have much sense for how the readings from these bracelets relate to something more validated like breathalyzer readings,” she said.
Another goal of the study is to help validate the bracelets so that they might be used in addiction treatment.
“We would love to see these bracelets be integrated into treatments for alcohol use disorder,” Ruhlmann said. “In order to have a device integrated into that kind of treatment, you really need that device to be validated.”
Another study conducted by the Alcohol Research Lab at UIUC looks at how social interactions impact drinking behavior, said Jaime Shields, another research coordinator at the lab.
Participants go into the lab, drink alcohol and run through a series of social tasks, she said. They are hooked up to an electroencephalogram, or EEG, which measures electrical activity in the brain.
“This study is the first to look at alcohol’s impact on hyperscanning, which is how two brains will interact together,” Shields said. “We hook two people up to our EEG equipment at the same time. People have been finding that during social interactions, sometimes people’s brain waves will sync up. We’re trying to see how alcohol impacts that.”
More information about these ongoing studies can be found at alcoholresearchlab.com.