Brain scanning is a delicate operation , one that typically involves ride out very still . investigator apply imaging techniques like magnetoencephalography ( MEG ) and functional magnetised rapport imaging to get an idea of how the brain functions and what nerve cell are being activated , but it ’s not an easy task . Current scanners are immense , requiring patients to sit unmoving inside them , lest their foreland movementsmess upthe data . There may presently be a better mode — one that would allow patients to playact normally while still getting reliable information .
Researchers from the University of Nottingham in the UK report inNaturethat they ’ve developed a prototype brain scanner that can be fall apart like a helmet , one that can generate authentic data even if the subject movement .
It utilize lightweight quantum magnetic - field sensing element held against the scalp by a 3D - print helmet that ’s custom - made for the affected role . For the study , one of the researchers volunteer to be the patient role and was fitted with a white plastic helmet that looks kind of like a cross between a Roman Centurion helmet and a Jason VoorheesHalloweenmask . She was positioned between two large panels equipped with electromagnetic coils that cancel out the Earth ’s magnetised field so that it does n’t interfere with the charismatic information clean up from the brain . As long as the patient stayed between the panels , she was free to move — nod her headspring , stretch , drinking coffee , and bounce a ball with a paddle — all while the scanner picked up information about on par with what a traditional digital scanner ( seen below ) might gather .
The more whippy scanning system is exciting for a figure of rationality , include that it would allow squirmy children to have their brains scan easily . Since patients can move around , it could measure brain function in more natural situations , while they ’re go or socialisation , and give up patients with neurodegenerative or developmental disorder to get MEG scans .
The current helmet is just a prototype , and the researchers desire to finally build a more generic design that does n’t require custom meet .
