Measuring brain activity in infants using advanced magnetometers
Official title: Closed-Loop Triaxial Optically Pumped Magnetometers for High-Sensitivity and High-Bandwidth Magnetoencephalography Measurements of the Developing Brain
Funded at Sandia Corp-Sandia National Laboratories · NIH-10848840 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to safely and easily measure brain activity in infants to help us understand their development and any potential brain disorders, using a special device that can pick up tiny signals from their brains.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sandia Corp-Sandia National Laboratories NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $729,286 |
| NIH project number | 1U01EB035534-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10848840 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants around six months old who may be at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the infant age range or those without any neurodevelopmental concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the non-invasive detection of gamma oscillations in infants, which are crucial for understanding neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. By utilizing a cutting-edge magnetoencephalography (MEG) device equipped with optically pumped magnetometers (OPM), the study aims to achieve high sensitivity and bandwidth in measuring these subtle brain signals. The technology allows for precise adjustments of sensors to maximize signal detection, making it particularly suitable for infants. The goal is to enhance the ability to monitor brain activity in young children, providing insights into their cognitive development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools for early detection of brain disorders in infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced neuroimaging techniques for brain activity measurement, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
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Sandia Corp-Sandia National Laboratories
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwindt, Peter D. D. — Sandia Corp-Sandia National Laboratories
- Study coordinator: Schwindt, Peter D. D.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Closed-Loop Triaxial OPMs to Measure Gamma Brain Signals in Infants
A new non-invasive brain-monitoring tool for infants will use advanced magnetometers to reliably detect fast gamma brain signals and help study neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative conditions.
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Sensitive, child-friendly brain sensors to record fast brain waves in infants
We are building very sensitive, child-friendly brain sensors to record fast, tiny brain waves in six-month-old infants to better understand early brain development and conditions like autism or neurodegenerative disorders.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.