Scientists have developed a new technique for non-invasive brain imaging that uses light to penetrate deeper into the brain. The current best method, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), has limitations and requires bulky MRI machines to image deeper layers of the brain.
Researchers at the University of Glasgow in Scotland have created a modified version of fNIRS that can shine light all the way through the complex skull structure, which is made up of bone, neurons, and tissue. To achieve this, they increased the strength of the near-infrared laser and set up a more comprehensive collection system.
The new technique was only successful with one out of eight study participants, but it shows promise for portable imaging methods that can go deeper into the brain. The researchers used computer models to predict photon movement through the skull, which matched closely with actual light collected. This suggests that future brain scans could be better targeted using specific source positions on the head.
The advantages of fNIRS include its relatively low cost and compact technology. Future imaging devices could use this research to develop techniques that go deeper into the brain. Brain scans have significant value in various applications, including understanding adolescence, treating diseases, and monitoring strokes, brain injuries, and tumors.
This breakthrough has potential to fill the gap between cheap and portable devices like EEG and expensive high-resolution instruments like fMRI, according to the researchers.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-beamed-light-right-through-a-mans-head-for-the-first-time