Scientists Create Dynamic Thermal Views of Human Skin:

Scientists with the US Army and University of Pittsburgh are using high resolution video thermography to examine the opening and closing of sweat pores, an autonomic component of emotional expression. A FLIR SC1000 thermal camera with a micro lens was placed a short distance away from the subject, bringing the skin surface into focus. High thermal and spatial resolution, frame rates, and other advances in thermal technology allow changes to be observed in real time, as they are occurring.

This cutting edge research showed the impact that different emotions and activities have on human sweat pores. The skin is dynamically active in thermal videos, where pore activity rises during human laughter and decreases during depressing movies, serious discussions or video game play. In the future, the technology may become a part of polygraph or other forensic tests. A ThermaCam’s ability to detect electrodermal skin responses will make it a valuable part of the crime fighter’s repertoire.

Courtesy of Dr. Barbara O’Kane, US Army and Dr. Corey Balaban, University of Pittsburgh, in Inframation 2006 Proceedings