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Results from tests of the scanner showed that patients were able
to stretch, nod and even drink tea or play table tennis while
their brain activity was being recorded, millisecond by
millisecond, by the magnetoencephalography (MEG) system.
Researchers who developed the device and published their results
in the journal Nature said they hoped the new scanner would
improve research and treatment for patients who can't use
traditional fixed MEG scanners, such as children with epilepsy,
babies, or patients with disorders like Parkinson's disease.
"This has the potential to revolutionize the brain imaging
field, and transform the scientific and clinical questions that
can be addressed with human brain imaging," said Gareth Barnes,
a professor at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Neuroimaging
at University College London, who co-led the work.
Current MEG scanners are cumbersome and weigh as much as half a
tonne, partly because the sensors they use to measure the
brain's magnetic field need to be kept very cold - at minus 269
degrees Celsius, Barnes' team explained.
They also run into difficulties when patients are unable to stay
very still - very young children or patients with movement
disorders for example - since even a 5-millimeter movement can
mean the images are unusable.
In the helmet scanner, the researchers overcame these problems
by using quantum sensors, which are lightweight, work at room
temperature and can be placed directly onto scalp - increasing
the amount of signal they are able to pick up.
Matt Brookes, who worked with Barnes and built the prototype at
Nottingham university, said that as well as overcoming the
challenge of some patients being unable to stay still, the
wearable scanner offers new possibilities in measuring peoples'
brain function during real world tasks and social interactions.
"This has significant potential for impact on our understanding
of not only healthy brain function but also on a range of
neurological, neurodegenerative and mental health conditions."
(Editing by Mark Heinrich)
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