BIOPAC and fNIR Devices offer new functional near infrared systems to study brain activity

Emerging fNIR technology monitors cortical hemodynamic changes to brain activation and provides objective real-time response data

fNIR Devices LLC and Biopac System Inc. announce new functional near infrared (fNIR) optical imaging systems to measure oxygen level changes in the prefrontal cortex of human subjects.

The fNIR system provides researchers with real-time monitoring of tissue oxygenation in the brain as subjects take tests, perform tasks, or receive stimulation. It allows researchers to quantitatively assess brain functions—such as attention, memory, planning, and problem solving—while individuals perform cognitive tasks.

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fNIR is a powerful near-infrared spectroscopy imaging tool for in-lab cognitive tests. This technique measures NIR light absorbance in blood of hemoglobin with and without oxygen and provides information about ongoing brain activity similar to functional MRI studies. It eliminates many of the drawbacks of fMRI and provides a safe, affordable, noninvasive solution for cognitive function assessment. fNIR results have been tested to agree withfMRI results.

The technology empowers researchers by providing greater flexibility for study design, including working within complex lab environments and operating in non-traditional lab locations for field studies. It provides continuous NIR spectroscopy to obtain neurovascular coupling data while keeping subjects comfortable and free to move around.

fNIR data combines with physiological signals acquired through BIOPAC’s data acquisition and analysis systems such as ECG, respiration, cardiac output, blood pressure, electrodermal activity and stimulus response markers; AcqKnowledge software provides automated analysis tools for event related potentials and ensemble averaging. The system interfaces with most stimulus presentation systems (such as E-Prime or SuperLab) and BIOPAC’s range of Virtual Reality systems.

The fNIR100 is suitable for a wide range of applications:

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