A tool for functional brain imaging with lifespan compliance.
Scientific Abstract
The human brain undergoes significant functional and structural changes in the first decades of life, as the foundations for human cognition are laid down. However, non-invasive imaging techniques to investigate brain function throughout neurodevelopment are limited due to growth in head-size with age and substantial head movement in young participants. Experimental designs to probe brain function are also limited by the unnatural environment typical brain imaging systems impose. However, developments in quantum technology allowed fabrication of a new generation of wearable magnetoencephalography (MEG) technology with the potential to revolutionise electrophysiological measures of brain activity. Here we demonstrate a lifespan-compliant MEG system, showing recordings of high fidelity data in toddlers, young children, teenagers and adults. We show how this system can support new types of experimental paradigm involving naturalistic learning. This work reveals a new approach to functional imaging, providing a robust platform for investigation of neurodevelopment in health and disease.
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A tool for functional brain imaging with lifespan compliance.
Scientific Abstract
The human brain undergoes significant functional and structural changes in the first decades of life, as the foundations for human cognition are laid down. However, non-invasive imaging techniques to investigate brain function throughout neurodevelopment are limited due to growth in head-size with age and substantial head movement in young participants. Experimental designs to probe brain function are also limited by the unnatural environment typical brain imaging systems impose. However, developments in quantum technology allowed fabrication of a new generation of wearable magnetoencephalography (MEG) technology with the potential to revolutionise electrophysiological measures of brain activity. Here we demonstrate a lifespan-compliant MEG system, showing recordings of high fidelity data in toddlers, young children, teenagers and adults. We show how this system can support new types of experimental paradigm involving naturalistic learning. This work reveals a new approach to functional imaging, providing a robust platform for investigation of neurodevelopment in health and disease.
Citation
2019. Nat Commun, 10(1):4785.
DOI
10.1038/s41467-019-12486-x
Free Full Text at Europe PMC
PMC6831615Downloads
Similar content
News
Dr Jeffrey Stedehouder awarded Cambridge NeuroWorks Blue Sky Proof-of-Concept Award
16 September 2026
Preprint
MRC CoRE in RND Output
Distinct In Vivo Electrophysiological Profiles of Mediodorsal Thalamus Subdivisions
Paper
MRC CoRE in RND Output
Modulation of motor cortical theta and gamma oscillations using phase-targeted, closed-loop optogenetic stimulation of local excitatory and inhibitory neurons.
2026. Brain Stimul, 19(2):103034.
Preprint