TwitterFacebookPinterestGoogle+

New imaging scanner helps USF Sarasota-Manatee students, researchers study brain functions

[ad_1]

SARASOTA, Fla. (Oct. 30, 2019) – University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee students are learning to use a neuro-imaging scanner to gain a deeper understanding of brain activity as it relates to thoughts and emotions.

The Functional Near-Infrared Optical Imaging System, or fNIR, was acquired about a month ago through a campus equipment grant to Assistant Psychology Professor Jay Michaels, PhD, who sees both instructional and research applications for the device.

“This new technology will allow our students to see what is happening in the brain in real time during different activities,” Michaels said. “It opens the doors to exciting new research possibilities.”

The device, manufactured by BIOPAC Systems Inc., uses sensors to measure the brain’s oxygen levels as subjects take tests, perform tasks or receive stimulation. The measurements then enable researchers to assess functions tied to memory, attention span, planning and problem solving.Lauren Olson, a spring 2019 USFSM psychology graduate and PhD applicant at USF, said she was excited to receive instruction on the fNIR system, which is widely used by clinicians and researchers.

“This is very cutting-edge,” she said. “I think by understanding and utilizing this technology it will give me a head start as I conduct research while pursuing my PhD. This is very exciting technology.” Biology major Namratha Abhisara Appaji, a senior, said she was eager to try out the scanner to show how even simple tasks, like drinking coffee, or thinking about drinking coffee, can produce measureable responses.

The device is lightweight and attaches like a headband. To demonstrate, Appaji affixed the scanner to her forehead and sipped coffee. Then she thought about drinking coffee without sipping it.

Michaels explained that the scanner’s sensors measure relative changes in the blood’s oxygen levels as the brain engages in activity, thought or emotion. The scanner sends these heightened signals to a transmitter, which communicates wirelessly to a laptop that displays the images in real time, along with other data.

As the exercises progressed, areas tied to attention, emotion and logic illuminated in bright red, yellow and orange tones on the laptop to indicate activity within the frontal lobes. Although the two exercises produced similar responses, they also displayed measurable differences.

“Having access to this equipment will allow faculty at USFSM to conduct world-class neuroscience research in topics relevant to psychology, speech and communication science, aging and even hospitality and tourism,” Michaels said. “In addition, the work being done using this technology will present opportunities to students to work as research assistants. This will help them to gain valuable experience using advanced equipment and analyzing complex data.”

Because the BIOPAC fNIR system is portable and can interface wirelessly with a laptop, it can easily be moved around campus and even off site.

Already, some instructors have expressed interest in using the system for their research, including Adam Carmer, an assistant professor in hospitality and tourism leadership, and Sarah Szynkiewicz, PhD, an assistant professor in communication sciences and disorders.Szynkiewicz, who conducts research in the speech-language pathology field, said the technology could offer greater insight into swallowing disorders as well as speech and language changes that result from brain injury.

“The acquisition of the BIOPAC fNIR system by Dr. Michaels creates multiple opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and learning experiences among faculty and students,” Szynkiewicz said. “This new technology will greatly enhance USFSM’s teaching, learning and research environment.”For more information about the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, visit usfsm.edu
###



[ad_2]

Source link

Leave a Reply

Widget GK News Show Pro

Tampa Today: Top Events and Happenings This Weekend

Tampa is buzzing with excitement this weekend, offering a diverse range of events for residents and visitors alike. Whether you're…

09 Feb 2025 Uncategorized admin No comments

Read more

Dual Diagnosis: Navigating Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders and Substance Abuse

Dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders, refers to the simultaneous presence of a mental health disorder and a substance…

13 Jan 2025 Uncategorized admin No comments

Read more

Accessing Affordable Healthcare in Florida: Key Services and Providers

Healthcare affordability remains a pressing concern for many Floridians. As the cost of medical care continues to rise, understanding the…

13 Nov 2024 Uncategorized admin No comments

Read more

The Emotional Rollercoaster: Understanding the Mental Health Struggles of Addiction

Addiction is often referred to as a physical dependency on substances, but its emotional and mental toll is just as…

22 Sep 2024 Uncategorized admin No comments

Read more
  • 1
  • 2
«
»

Advertisement style

Cras mattis consectetur purus sit amet fermentum. Donec sed odio dui. Sed posuere consectetur est at lobortis. Donec ullamcorper nulla non metus auctor fringilla. Aenean eu leo quam. Pellentesque ornare sem lacinia quam venenatis vestibulum. Donec id elit non mi porta gravida at eget metus. Integer posuere erat a ante venenatis dapibus posuere velit aliquet.

Badge New

Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo. Curabitur blandit tempus porttitor. Maecenas sed diam eget risus varius blandit sit amet non magna. Aenean eu leo quam.

Badge Hot

Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo. Curabitur blandit tempus porttitor. Maecenas sed diam eget risus varius blandit sit amet non magna. Aenean eu leo quam.

Badge Popular

Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo. Curabitur blandit tempus porttitor. Maecenas sed diam eget risus varius blandit sit amet non magna. Aenean eu leo quam.

Badge Top

Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo. Curabitur blandit tempus porttitor. Maecenas sed diam eget risus varius blandit sit amet non magna. Aenean eu leo quam.