Summary
A new mobile brain scanning system is being developed to study the effects of blast exposure on soldiers' brains. This system, funded by the UK Ministry of Defence, can quickly measure brain activity using a technique called magnetoencephalography (MEG). The project aims to better understand how blasts impact brain function and could also be useful for other conditions like sports concussions and dementia.
Key Facts
- The system is a mobile brain scanner designed to study blast trauma in soldiers.
- It is developed by a team at the universities of Nottingham and Birmingham with £3.1 million from the Ministry of Defence.
- The scanner can be transported to various locations such as field hospitals and firing ranges.
- It uses magnetoencephalography (MEG) to monitor brain activity in real time.
- This is the first known fully mobile MEG system, made possible by advances in technology.
- The research will focus on the impact of shockwaves from weapons on brain function.
- The system is expected to be operational by March 31, 2026.
