Moving magnetoencephalography towards real-world applications with a wearable system

Moving magnetoencephalography towards real-world applications with a wearable system

29 MARCH 2018 | Elena Boto, Niall Holmes, James Leggett, Gillian Roberts, Vishal Shah, Sofie S. Meyer, Leonardo Duque Muñoz, Karen J. Mullinger, Tim M. Tierney, Sven Bestmann, Gareth R. Barnes, Richard Bowtell & Matthew J. Brookes
A new generation of magnetoencephalography (MEG) system allows for free and natural movement during scanning, overcoming the limitations of traditional MEG systems that require subjects to remain still in a restrictive scanner. This wearable system integrates quantum sensors, specifically optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs), which do not rely on superconducting technology, with a system for nulling background magnetic fields. This enables high-resolution electrophysiological measurement while subjects move naturally, including head nodding, stretching, and drinking. The system is lightweight, customizable, and allows for accurate measurement of brain activity even during large head movements. The system uses a bi-planar electromagnetic coil system to null the remnant static magnetic field, reducing the Earth's field from 23 nT to 1.6 nT and the dominant field gradient from 10 nT/m to 0.28 nT/m. The system has been tested on a subject performing a finger abduction task and a ball game paradigm, demonstrating its ability to capture high-fidelity data even during significant head movement. The system offers improved spatial resolution and robustness compared to traditional cryogenic MEG systems. The wearable system opens up new possibilities for scanning any subject or patient group, with applications such as characterization of the neurodevelopmental connectome, imaging subjects moving naturally in a virtual environment, and investigating the pathophysiology of movement disorders. The system has transformative potential across a range of neuroscientific and clinical applications where knowledge of brain electrophysiology is informative.A new generation of magnetoencephalography (MEG) system allows for free and natural movement during scanning, overcoming the limitations of traditional MEG systems that require subjects to remain still in a restrictive scanner. This wearable system integrates quantum sensors, specifically optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs), which do not rely on superconducting technology, with a system for nulling background magnetic fields. This enables high-resolution electrophysiological measurement while subjects move naturally, including head nodding, stretching, and drinking. The system is lightweight, customizable, and allows for accurate measurement of brain activity even during large head movements. The system uses a bi-planar electromagnetic coil system to null the remnant static magnetic field, reducing the Earth's field from 23 nT to 1.6 nT and the dominant field gradient from 10 nT/m to 0.28 nT/m. The system has been tested on a subject performing a finger abduction task and a ball game paradigm, demonstrating its ability to capture high-fidelity data even during significant head movement. The system offers improved spatial resolution and robustness compared to traditional cryogenic MEG systems. The wearable system opens up new possibilities for scanning any subject or patient group, with applications such as characterization of the neurodevelopmental connectome, imaging subjects moving naturally in a virtual environment, and investigating the pathophysiology of movement disorders. The system has transformative potential across a range of neuroscientific and clinical applications where knowledge of brain electrophysiology is informative.
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