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How can near-infrared light read the brain? The magical application of fNIRS technology
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an innovative brain monitoring technology that uses near-infrared spectroscopy for functional neuroimaging detection. The basic principle of this technology is to measure the dynamic changes in blood flow in the brain by emitting near-infrared light to obtain information on neural activity. With the development of various non-invasive imaging technologies, fNIRS, together with electroencephalography (EEG), has become one of the main tools for portable brain research.
fNIRS focuses on heme absorption properties and can accurately measure changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated heme related to neural activity.
During fNIRS experiments, near-infrared light will penetrate the scalp, scatter and absorb. Due to the strong absorption properties of heme for near-infrared light, scientists can infer changes in heme concentration in the blood. Not only is this technology safe and non-invasive, it can also be used with other imaging modalities, giving researchers new tools to explore the workings of the brain. In addition, fNIRS is also called Optical Topography (OT). The technology is becoming increasingly mature and multiple uygulamaları have been gradually formed.
Historical background of fNIRS
The history of fNIRS dates back to 1977, when Jöbsis first discovered the brain's transparency to near-infrared light, which opened the door to non-invasive measurements of brain oxygenation. Subsequently, the application of NIRS gradually expanded, especially in the early 1990s, with the publication of several studies on the application of fNIRS in adults, and its potential was gradually recognized.
Japanese research teams began to explore brain monitoring systems based on infrared light in the mid-1980s, and first proposed the concept of "optical topography" in 1995.
Technology has further developed to this day, and many new wearable fNIRS devices are gradually becoming available, which can facilitate brain activity monitoring in clinical or daily life.
How fNIRS works
fNIRS works based on the absorption and scattering of light. After the light source emits near-infrared light, it penetrates the brain surface tissue. Depending on the characteristics of different tissues and heme, part of the light will be absorbed or scattered. The researchers measured these changes in light to estimate the amount of oxygenated and deoxygenated heme in the blood.
fNIRS technology is particularly suitable for studying blood flow and oxygenation status in local areas of the brain, providing important insights into neural activity.
Application Scope
The applications of fNIRS cover many fields, including brain-computer interface (BCI), hypoxia research in plateau environment, and brain functional connectivity analysis. Especially in plateau environments, fNIRS can help study how to deal with oxygen deficiency.
Future potential
With the continuous advancement of technology, the application potential of fNIRS in the fields of medicine and psychology is growing. Not only can it provide valuable data for the study of brain diseases, but it can also improve our understanding of brain function and its interconnections.
Could the development of this technology revolutionize the way we understand the brain?
In the future, how to further promote and improve the required technologies and standards will be a major challenge for scientists. At the same time, continued research on fNIRS will not only help us understand common neural stress responses, but may also reveal more about the intrinsic relationship between brain activity and behavior. Are there any deeper secrets hidden in this?
