 |
Unprecedented accuracy in locating brain electrical activity with new device
July 27, 2012Researchers at Aalto University in Finland have developed the world's first device designed for mapping the human brain that combines whole-head magnetoencephalography (MEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology. MEG measures the electrical function and MRI visualizes the structure of the brain. The merging of these two technologies will produce unprecedented accuracy in locating brain electrical activity non-invasively.
We expect that the new technology will improve the accuracy of brain mapping of patients with epilepsy. It may also improve the diagnosis of cancer patients because the improved image contrast may facilitate the characterization of cancer tissue, says Academy Professor Risto Ilmoniemi.
The innovative MEG-MRI device will allow brain imaging for new patients, such as those with metal implants. Also, the silent and open device will not scare children or make people feel claustrophobic. In the future, this development can also reduce costs as images can be obtained in one session rather than two, Ilmoniemi states.
The problem with MEG is that when the technique is used separately, the image accuracy can be compromised because of the movement of the brain. Also, the image it provides may not be accurate enough for precise brain surgery. In the past, it was not possible to combine high-field MRI and MEG because their magnetic fields interfered with one another. Extremely sensitive magnetic field sensors have now been developed, so scientists can now use the new low-field MRI with a magnetic field strength of only a few hundred-thousandths of that of the high-field MRI device. Fusing these two technologies produces localization accuracy that was not possible with MRI or MEG alone.
Aalto University
Related Magnetoencephalography Current Events and Magnetoencephalography News Articles
Detecting autism from brain activity
Neuroscientists from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and the University of Toronto have developed an efficient and reliable method of analyzing brain activity to detect autism in children.
Man-made material pushes the bounds of superconductivity
A multi-university team of researchers has artificially engineered a unique multilayer material that could lead to breakthroughs in both superconductivity research and in real-world applications.
A neural basis for benefits of meditation
Mindfulness meditation training in awareness of present moment experience, such as body and breath sensations, prevents depression and reduces distress in chronic pain.
UCSB scientists report 'new beginning' in split-brain research, using new analytical tools
UC Santa Barbara has reported an important discovery in the interdisciplinary study of split-brain research. The findings uncover dynamic changes in brain coordination patterns between left and right hemispheres.
Report: Strategies to prevent noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus in soldiers
Antioxidants, dietary supplements and high-tech brain imaging are among some of the novel strategies that may help detect, treat and even prevent noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus among American troops, according to researchers at Henry Ford Hospital.
Brain signal IDs responders to fast-acting antidepressant
Scientists have discovered a biological marker that may help to identify which depressed patients will respond to an experimental, rapid-acting antidepressant.
New Mini-sensor Measures Magnetic Field of the Brain
In future a new magnetic sensor the size of a sugar cube might simplify the measurement of brain activity.
Multiple thought channels may help brain avoid traffic jams
Brain networks may avoid traffic jams at their busiest intersections by communicating on different frequencies, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, the University Medical Center at Hamburg-Eppendorf and the University of Tübingen have learned.
Fusion plasma research helps neurologists to hear above the noise
Fusion plasma researchers at the University of Warwick have teamed up with Cambridge neuroscientists to apply their expertise developed to study inaccessible fusion plasmas in order to significantly improve the understanding of the data obtained from non-invasive study of the fast dynamics of networks in the human brain.
How does our brain know what is a face and what's not?
Objects that resemble faces are everywhere. Whether it's New Hampshire's erstwhile granite "Old Man of the Mountain," or Jesus' face on a tortilla, our brains are adept at locating images that look like faces.
More Magnetoencephalography Current Events and Magnetoencephalography News Articles
 |
Clinical Magnetoencephalography and Magnetic Source Imaging by Andrew C. Papanicolaou (Author) This is the first volume to explore the field of clinical magnetoencephalography (MEG) and magnetic source imaging (MSI), the techniques measuring the magnetic fields generated by neuronal activity in the brain. Describing the empirical knowledge gained during the last two decades, this book will serve as a basis for the training of clinicians and scientists entering this new and exciting field. The book covers the methods for recording MEG and performing MSI in a clinical setting and includes practical examples of data collection and analysis. It explains why MEG should be used in the evaluation and treatment of patients being considered for epilepsy surgery, concluding with a section describing the potential for future applications of these methods. This is essential reading for... |
 |
MEG: An Introduction to Methods by Peter Hansen (Editor), Morten Kringelbach (Editor), Riitta Salmelin (Editor) Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is an exciting brain imaging technology that allows real-time tracking of neural activity, making it an invaluable tool for advancing our understanding of brain function. In this comprehensive introduction to MEG, Peter Hansen, Morten Kringelbach, and Riitta Salmelin have brought together the leading researchers to provide the basic tools for planning and executing MEG experiments, as well as analyzing and interpreting the resulting data. Chapters on the basics describe the fundamentals of MEG and its instrumentation, and provide guidelines for designing experiments and performing successful measurements. Chapters on data analysis present it in detail, from general concepts and assumptions to analysis of evoked responses and oscillatory background activity.... |
 |
Magnetoencephalography: From Signals to Dynamic Cortical Networks (Series in Bioengineering) by Selma Supek (Editor), Cheryl J. Aine (Editor) Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is an invaluable functional brain imaging technique that provides direct, real-time monitoring of neuronal activity necessary for gaining insight into dynamic cortical networks. Our intentions with this book are to cover the richness and transdisciplinary nature of the MEG field, make it more accessible to newcomers and experienced researchers and to stimulate growth in the MEG area. The book presents a comprehensive overview of MEG basics and the latest developments in methodological, empirical and clinical research, directed toward master and doctoral students, as well as researchers. There are three levels of contributions: 1) tutorials on instrumentation, measurements, modeling, and experimental design; 2) topical reviews providing extensive coverage of... |
 |
Magnetoencephalography (Advances in Neurology) by Susumu Sato (Editor) |
 |
Magnetoencephalography, Volume 68 (International Review of Neurobiology.) by Hubert Preissl (Editor) Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is the only neuroimaging method that provides high spatial and temporal information of human brain activation. In addition, MEG is completely non-invasive and allows recordings with minimal preparation time. This makes it suitable to investigate even fetuses in utero. This volume in the International Review of Neurobiology series addresses the most relevant research areas and shows how MEG could be used for investigations over the whole life span in humans. |
 |
Magnetoencephalography This is a practical book on MEG that covers a wide range of topics. The book begins with a series of reviews on the use of MEG for clinical applications, the study of cognitive functions in various diseases, and one chapter focusing specifically on studies of memory with MEG. There are sections with chapters that describe source localization issues, the use of beamformers and dipole source methods, as well as phase-based analyses, and a step-by-step guide to using dipoles for epilepsy spike analyses. The book ends with a section describing new innovations in MEG systems, namely an on-line real-time MEG data acquisition system, novel applications for MEG research, and a proposal for a helium re-circulation system. With such breadth of topics, there will be a chapter that is of interest to... |
 |
Introduction to Biomedical Engineering, Third Edition by John Enderle (Author), Joseph Bronzino (Author) Introduction to Biomedical Engineering is a comprehensive survey text for biomedical engineering courses. It is the most widely adopted text across the BME course spectrum, valued by instructors and students alike for its authority, clarity and encyclopedic coverage in a single volume. Biomedical engineers need to understand the wide range of topics that are covered in this text, including basic mathematical modeling; anatomy and physiology; electrical engineering, signal processing and instrumentation; biomechanics; biomaterials science and tissue engineering; and medical and engineering ethics. Enderle and Bronzino tackle these core topics at a level appropriate for senior undergraduate students and graduate students who are majoring in BME, or studying it as a combined course with a... |
 |
Magnetoencephalography: Webster's Timeline History, 1968 - 2007 by Icon Group International (Author) Webster's bibliographic and event-based timelines are comprehensive in scope, covering virtually all topics, geographic locations and people. They do so from a linguistic point of view, and in the case of this book, the focus is on "Magnetoencephalography," including when used in literature (e.g. all authors that might have Magnetoencephalography in their name). As such, this book represents the largest compilation of timeline events associated with Magnetoencephalography when it is used in proper noun form. Webster's timelines cover bibliographic citations, patented inventions, as well as non-conventional and alternative meanings which capture ambiguities in usage. These furthermore cover all parts of speech (possessive, institutional usage, geographic usage) and contexts, including pop... |
 |
Brain Signal Analysis: Advances in Neuroelectric and Neuromagnetic Methods by Todd C. Handy (Editor) Cognitive electrophysiology concerns the study of the brain's electrical and magnetic responses to both external and internal events. These can be measured using electroencephalograms (EEGs) or magnetoencephalograms (MEGs). With the advent of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), another method of tracking brain signals, the tools and techniques of ERP, EEG and MEG data acquisition and analysis have been developing at a similarly rapid pace, and this book offers an overview of key recent advances in cognitive electrophysiology. The chapters highlight the increasing overlap in EEG and MEG analytic techniques, describing several methods applicable to both; they discuss recent developments, including reverse correlation methods in visual-evoked potentials and a new approach to... |
 |
High-Tc SQUIDs for Biomedical Applications: Immunoassays, Magnetoencephalography, and Ultra-Low Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Springer Theses) by Fredrik Öisjöen (Author) This thesis describes the challenging task of developing high critical temperature superconducting quantum interference devices (high-Tc SQUIDs) and using them as sensors for biomedical applications, including magnetic immunoassays, magnetoencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The first part of this work discusses the development of fast magnetic immunoassays, which can be used to improve the sensitivity, or to create new, unique point-of-care diagnostics systems. The second part shows that high-Tc SQUIDs might make magnetoencephalography more available, thus opening the field of high-Tc SQUID-based magnetoencephalography for recording brain functions. This technique can be combined with ultra-low field MRI which is discussed in the last part. This combination may provide... |
| © 2013 BrightSurf.com |