A headset that shines safe light through the skull could one day let a GP monitor brain function without the cost and complexity of an MRI machine. Current brain imaging relies on MRI scanners that are expensive, logistically complex, and confined to specialist hospital units. This limits their use for routine monitoring of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, where the macroscopic mechanisms of blood flow and brain function remain poorly understood. The researcher aims to develop an optical alternative: diffuse optical tomography combined with single-pixel imaging (DOT-SING). This technique improves on earlier optical methods that suffered from poor image quality, using a dense array of fibre optics to capture brain activity safely and non-invasively. If successful, the technology could enable wearable brain monitors for use in GP surgeries or even at home. That would make it far easier to study cognitive problems and track dementia progression in real-world settings, rather than in a hospital scanner. The project also lays groundwork for future integration with quantum imaging systems, a priority identified in the UK’s Innovation Strategy. For now, the work is a fundamental step toward building the technical capability to image brain function cheaply and routinely.
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The study of the human brain and its functioning has been challenging from research and medical perspectives. The macroscopic mechanisms and cerebral blood flow dynamics of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's remain largely unknown. Current technology like MRI machines, although advanced, is only meant for specialist use, is logistically complex and expensive. My objective is to apply safe and non-invasive optical techniques to image and monitor brain function to better understand these macroscopic mechanisms. Little is known at this scale and there remain many technical challenges for realising optical systems in a clinical set-up effectively and at a low cost. Initially, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) emerged as an optical alternative to MRI. However, this technique is affected by poor image quality. Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is an improvement to fNIRS, solving the image quality issues. Using a dense array of fibre optics measurements on both clinical and wearable technologies, Prof Joseph Culver, who leads the Culver Lab at the Washington University of St. Louis, has emerged as a leader in the field of non-invasive naturalistic brain imaging, pioneering high-density diffuse optical tomography (HD-DOT). In an ideal scenario, one would walk into a GP surgery or hospital and wear a headset that uses light to safely and non-invasively monitor brain function without any radiation. This is the long-term vision for integrating diffuse optical tomography and single-pixel imaging (DOT-SING). DOT-SING is a collaboration with Prof Culver to combine the advantages of single-pixel imaging through optical fibres while building on existing cutting-edge diffuse optical tomography technologies. This technology facilitates clinical and wearable applications and the ability to image brain activity for various cognitive problems in vivo. This collaboration will be a key step towards building these capabilities and preparing a platform for future work in both classical and quantum imaging systems. Integration of quantum imaging methods, research ongoing, is of special importance, as evidenced by the UK Innovation Strategy published by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) (Pg 91, July 2021) and the Quantum Strategy announced for 2024-34. With the support of this grant, a unique opportunity to exchange research skills and collaborate will be realised. This engagement will support a long-term collaboration, one that is eagerly sought by both me and Prof Culver due to our overlapping yet distinct research interests in single-pixel imaging techniques, biophotonics, and brain imaging. During the proposed project term as a visiting researcher at the Culver Lab, I will have access to their research and technology developed for lab-based and wearable diffuse optical tomography imaging systems. This training will provide the appropriate knowledge to build and improve these technologies in my research lab in the UK and help engage clinicians, doctors, and researchers working towards solving several cognitive conditions and working towards a better understanding of the types of dementia and its impact on the brain.
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