KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 3 (Bernama) -- BIOPAC Systems Inc has released its newest generation of functional near infrared optical imaging (fNIR) systems which is able to provide in-lab or real-world cognitive function assessments for physiology researchers looking to understand brain activity without all the expense of fMRI.
The extra-lightweight sensor fits comfortably on the forehead where it monitors relative changes in oxy or deoxy haemoglobin as a proxy for the brain activity in the pre-frontal cortex.
Subjects can be examined in laboratory settings or they can be active in their natural environment with the new mobile fNIR system.
“Experimental design can be more sophisticated with this mobile technology. It gives researchers the opportunity to collect data from subjects as they live their lives,” said BIOPAC chief executive officer, Frazer Findlay, in a statement today.
“Mobile imaging can add value to any study, but is especially important when subjects are children or families, as they can be in a familiar or comfortable environment, yielding better results,” he added.
The new NIRS systems offer three powerful imagers: the fNIR 2000C, which is a stationary unit that collects data from up to 18 optodes; the fNIR 2000M, which is a wireless and mobile imager that collects data from up to 18 optodes and can be used while subjects are performing tasks in the lab or in the real world; and the fNIR 2000S, which is a 54-optode capable imager with advanced features for recording up to three subjects simultaneously.
A new through-the-hair sensor will allow researchers to assess other areas of the brain such as motor and visual cortices. Adding in different parts of the brain increases understanding of brain activity without the complications of fMRI.
All systems include fNIRSoft and COBI software for data collection and analysis. Data can be synchronised with and imported into AcqKnowledge Software for a complete understanding of physiological response, including EEG, EDA, ECG, BP and other important physiology signals.
BIOPAC, which was founded in 1985, is recognised around the world as a premier choice for life science hardware and software.
Worldwide, over 99 per cent of the top 100 universities and Global Fortune 500 companies rely on BIOPAC systems for their life science research and teaching system needs. For details, visit www.biopac.com.
-- BERNAMA
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