Mind mapping

Scientists at the University of Houston are developing a unique brain-mapping device that promises to deliver more comprehensive and accurate insights into the mind at a fraction of the cost of current technologies.

'The typical approach currently used for brain mapping is functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI,' said George Zouridakis, associate professor at the University of Houston's College of Technology. 'However, an fMRI scanner is expensive, on the order of millions of dollars, and confined in one place, as it requires a shielded room because of the strong magnetic fields. It also requires specialised personnel to maintain and operate.'

Zouridakis said his team aims to eliminate such obstacles. 'Our technology marries high-density electroencephalography, or EEG, which measures the electrophysiological activity of the brain, with near-infrared spectroscopy, or NIRS, which provides information about cerebral blood flow,' added Zouridakis. 'Like the EEG, NIRS is portable, only costs about $200,000 (£144,000), does not need a special room or personnel to maintain, and can quantify both direct and indirect measures of brain activity.'