Brain imaging technique could improve treatment for infants

Scientists are investigating a more accurate brain imaging technique that could improve outcomes for children and will work with cryogen-free sensors.

The five-year project is being undertaken by scientists from Nottingham University and University College London (UCL).

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) maps brain activity by measuring the magnetic fields generated by electrical currents that occur naturally in the brain. A £1.6m Collaborative Award in Science from Wellcome is funding the construction of a new type of MEG scanner which could quadruple the sensitivity of current devices.

Dr Matthew Brookes and Prof Richard Bowtell, in the School of Physics and Astronomy are leading the research in Nottingham, where they have designed and built a 3D printed prototype wearable helmet and are in the early stages of developing the new MEG system.