New brain scanner allows patients to move freely

A new generation of brain scanner, that can be worn like a helmet allowing patients to move naturally whilst being scanned, has been developed by researchers at UCL and the University of Nottingham as a Wellcome-funded project. In a Nature paper published today, the researchers demonstrate that they can measure brain activity while people make natural movements, including nodding, stretching, drinking tea and even playing ping pong. Not only can this new, light-weight, magnetoencephalography (MEG) system be worn, but it is also more sensitive than currently available systems. "This has the potential to revolutionise the brain imaging field, and transform the scientific and clinical questions that can be addressed with human brain imaging," said Professor Gareth Barnes, who leads the project at the UCL Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging. "Importantly, we will now be able to study brain function in many people who, up until now, have been extremely difficult to scan - including young children and patients with movement disorders. This will help us better understand healthy brain development in children, as well as the management of neurological and mental health disorders," he said. Brain cells operate and communicate by producing electrical currents.