Scientists intend to capture the complexity of brain signaling during face-to-face interactions
As you read this story, your brain’s cells are generating electrical currents that emit infinitesimally small magnetic fields. Now, Virginia Tech scientists can measure them using a new brain imaging technique called optically pumped magnetometry.
Researchers at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC have received a $2.4 million grant from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, part of the National Institutes of Health, to measure the brain’s subtle magnetic signals in two research volunteers simultaneously as they interact face-to-face, capturing the rich complexity of the brain’s signaling in real-time.
Optically pumped magnetometry devices are wearable, lightweight headsets that measure brain activity while research volunteers can move around, interact with others, and sit upright. The device, which looks like a hat with wires connected to it, uses quantum sensor chips to measure the strength and originating location of magnetic fields produced by the human brain.
Unlike noisy, cramped MRIs, which require participants to lie down and stay still, the new headset allows for movement. This opens up new doors to study babies and children while they’re awake and in motion, as well as research volunteers who have movement disorders.
