Moving magnetoencephalography towards real-world applications with a wearable system

Imaging human brain function with techniques such as magnetoencephalography1 (MEG) typically requires a subject to perform tasks whilst their head remains still within a restrictive scanner. This artificial environment makes the technique inaccessible to many people, and limits the experimental questions that can be addressed. For example, it has been difficult to apply neuroimaging to investigation of the neural substrates of cognitive development in babies and children, or in adult studies that require unconstrained head movement (e.g. spatial navigation). Here, we develop a new type of MEG system that can be worn like a helmet, allowing free and natural movement during scanning. This is possible due to the integration of new quantum sensors2,3 that do not rely on superconducting technology, with a novel system for nulling background magnetic fields. We demonstrate human electrophysiological measurement at millisecond resolution whilst subjects make natural movements, including head nodding, stretching, drinking and playing a ball game. Results compare well to the current state-of-the-art, even when subjects make large head movements. The system opens up new possibilities for scanning any subject or patient group, with myriad applications such as characterisation of the neurodevelopmental connectome, imaging subjects moving naturally in a virtual environment, and understanding the pathophysiology of movement disorders

Laser interactions with bundle fiber structures

Laser damages of materials are in research focus during the last decade. These terms can be understood as useful in the treatment of materials or in theoretical modeling of interactions of laser beams with the material. Also, they can be destructive when it comes to high power density where the nonlinear effects are present, too. In addition to the theory, many detailed experimental work is required for new optical components applications. The experiments with Nd 3+ : YAG laser (1.064 µm) with defined working regime and power densities and specifically developed optical fiber bundles are the subject of this paper. The fibers are developed in laboratory conditions for specific purposes. Also, commercial optical fiber bundle for dental use are presented and discussed as comparison with the same laser types

Defibrinogenation Ameliorates Retinal Microgliosis and Inflammation in A CX3CR1-Independent Manner

Summary statementDiabetic human and murine retinas revealed pronounced microglial morphological activation and vascular abnormalities associated with inflammation. Pharmacological fibrinogen depletion using ancrod dampened microglial morphology alterations, resolved fibrinogen accumulation, rescued axonal integrity, and reduced inflammation in the diabetic murine retina

New York University, Excavations at Amheida 2011: Preliminary Report

The 2011 season started on the 1st of January, with work in the replica of the House of Serenos and the relocation of the dump in Area 2 from earlier seasons. Excavation began on the 26th of January and lasted only 4 days