Thursday, 11 July 2019
The 糖心原创 has received a £2.3M grant to develop its ground-breaking research into wearable functional brain imaging, as part of a that has been announced by the Government today for research into quantum technologies.
The announcement means that the Sensors and Timing, led by the University of Birmingham, with the 糖心原创 as a key partner, can continue its fundamental research and development of quantum sensors for real-world applications.
Lightweight and moveable
Researchers from the 糖心原创’s School of Physics and Astronomy, the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, and the Centre for Additive Manufacturing, will be developing this new generation of brain scanners, refining the technology to make it accessible both for neuroscientific research, and in a clinical setting as a diagnostic tool for management of serious neurological conditions, for example, epilepsy.
The new type of brain scanner uses ‘quantum’ sensors that measure the tiny magnetic fields produced by brain function, a process known as magnetoencephalography (or MEG for short). It enables an effective measure of brain activity as our brains undertake mental tasks. Unlike previous systems (which weigh >0.5 Tonne and operate at liquid cryogen temperatures), the quantum sensors are very light in weight and work at body temperature, meaning they can be placed directly onto the scalp surface in a helmet. Positioning the sensors close to the brain increases the amount of signal that they can pick up compared with previous technology for this sort of brain mapping. Moreover, the ability to position sensors anywhere makes the technology easily adaptable to any subject, making it ideal for use in children.
The light-weight nature of the new scanner also means that, for the first time, subjects can move their heads during the scanning. However, the quantum sensors will only operate in this way when the Earth’s magnetic field has been reduced by a factor of around 50,000. To solve this problem, the research team are developing special electromagnetic coils, which cancel the Earth’s field around the scanner.
Refining for the real world
The Nottingham team will be working closely with Strathclyde University and industry partners in the UK and the USA to further develop the brain imaging system. The research will involve novel designs of quantum sensors, new techniques for precise magnetic field control, and optimised sensor array fabrication to maximise sensitivity. By combining these areas, the researchers believe they will be able to image human brain function, even in babies and children, with millimetre precision. This new technology will enable epileptic networks in the brain to be pinpointed, and will find application in a number of important clinical areas, ranging from severe mental heath disorders like schizophrenia to measurement of effects such as cortical "slowing" in dementia. They will also be refining the magnetic shielding system required for the new scanner, exploring more lightweight and cost-effective solutions. These shielding solutions will also be used to enhance the performance of the quantum sensors themselves for applications in geo-physical survey and security.
We have come a long way in designing an effective wearable brain imaging system, the challenge now is to expand this prototype, realising the theoretical benefits such as high sensitivity and spatial resolution, and refining the system design and fabrication to allow it to be used in clinical settings. We are delighted to have been awarded this funding, which will allow us to do this.
Professor Kai Bongs, Principal Investigator for the UK Quantum Technology Hub Sensors and Timing, spoke about how the new funding will maximise the potential of industry collaborations:
“We are delighted that the government is maintaining its commitment to the exploitation of quantum technology in the UK. This new funding will build on the enormous momentum we have already created.
“Our Birmingham-led hub for Sensors and Timing will be focusing on applications in Geo-Physics, Navigation, Brain Imaging and Precision Timing, each of which has the potential to create significant economic and societal benefit.”
The second phase of the Quantum Technology Hub will see further research in collaboration with Universities of Glasgow, Imperial, Nottingham, Southampton, Strathclyde and Sussex, the British Geological Survey and over 200 participating industry partners. Particular areas of focus will magnetometry, geophysics, navigation, timing and underpinning technology."
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More information on the is available from Jane Icke or Lindsay Brooke Media Relations Managers for the Faculty of Science at the 糖心原创, on +44 (0)115 951 5751 jane.icke@nottingham.ac.ukor lindsay.brooke@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.