Research topics
The magnetoencephalography (MEG) system at the University of Birmingham is part of the Centre for Human Brain Health (CHBH), an interdisciplinary brain research facility established with the mission of understanding what makes a brain healthy, how to maintain it, and how to prevent and reverse damage.
The Centre is home to state-of-the-art brain imaging facilities, which are used to uncover the mechanisms supporting cognition in both the healthy and the dysfunctional brain.
We use our multidisciplinary expertise and state-of-the-art technology to identify the key factors for maintaining a healthy brain. To do this, we are developing and applying MEG in conjunction with advanced neuroimaging techniques, including the development of new sensor technology, to characterise brain structure and function, combined with experimental and lifestyle interventions to enhance brain health across the lifespan.
Research facilities and equipment
The MEG laboratory houses an Elekta Neuromag TRIUX system, installed in January 2018. The TRIUX system has 306 sensors distributed over the head: 204 planar gradiometers and 102 magnetometers. The MEG system is place in a two-layer shielded room. The system allows for concurrent EEG recordings from 64 electrodes and continuous monitoring of the head position. A closed-loop He recycler eliminates refills.
The peripherals of the MEG system include:
- a ProPixx projector (1440 Hz refresh rate)
- a fast EyeLink eye-tracker (SR Research)
- auditory stimulation
- somatosensory stimulation
- button boxes
A dedicated MEG analysis pipeline, FLUX, is under development to facilitate research.
Location
The MEG laboratory at the University of Birmingham is part of the new Centre for Human Brain Health (CHBH), which will open end of 2018. Till then, the MEG will be hosted in a temporary building.
More information about the CHBH is available at the following link: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/chbh.
People
Academic Investigators
Peter Hansen
Simon Hanslmayr
Ole Jensen
Head of MEG
Ali Mazaheri
Chris Miall
Uta Noppeney
Hyojin Park
Katrien Segaert
Kim Shapiro
Bernhard Starina
Maria Wimber
Rachel Upthegrove
Core Staff
Jonathan Winter
MEG Lab Manager
Emily Loftus
CHBH Operation Manager
Research Groups
For a list of our research groups, please visit:
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/centre-human-brain-health/research-groups.aspx