RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Development of Electroencephalography (EEG) and Magnetoencephalography (MEG) Source Reconstruction With Fast Multipole Method

This study is exploring a new way to understand how our brains work using special scanning caps. Researchers are combining advanced EEG (electroencephalography) and MEG (magnetoencephalography) technology with high-tech computer programmes. They want to see if this new system can create clearer, faster maps of brain activity. The main goal is to pinpoint exactly where brain signals come from when people move their fingers, react to a gentle touch on a nerve, or listen to speech. By comparing these new scans with existing information about brain anatomy, the researchers hope to improve how doctors can look at brain function in the future. This could lead to better ways to understand and diagnose conditions affecting the brain.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jan 2025

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2027

Healthy

What is this study about?

Imagine your brain is a busy city, and scientists want to figure out where different activities are happening—like where the 'finger movement' office is, or the 'speech understanding' department. This study is like trying out a brand new, super-smart mapping system to do just that. Currently, doctors can use tests like EEG and MEG, which involve wearing a special cap with sensors, to see brain activity. This study aims to make these maps even more detailed and faster to create.

The researchers are combining a special 256-sensor 'dry electrode' EEG cap with MEG readings and a new, very clever computer program. This program is designed to build a detailed 3D model of your brain and head. They want to find out if this combination can show them more precisely where brain signals are coming from when people perform simple tasks like tapping a finger, feeling a gentle buzz on their wrist, or listening to someone speak.

The main idea is to develop better tools for mapping brain activity. By getting clearer, real-time pictures of where things happen in the brain, it could help us understand many different brain conditions in the future. For instance, knowing the exact location of unusual brain activity could help guide treatments or improve our understanding of how certain diseases affect the brain.

Key takeaways

Researchers are testing new brain scanning technology.
The goal is to map brain activity more clearly and quickly.
It involves special 'dry electrode' caps and advanced computer software.
Participants will have MRI scans and perform simple tasks during EEG/MEG tests.
This study helps improve our understanding of the brain.
It's for healthy volunteers aged 18-65.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a healthy adult aged between 18 and 65 years. You should have normal hearing and vision (wearing glasses or contacts is fine if they correct your vision). It's also important that you can understand the study details and agree to take part.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have any metal in your body like a pacemaker, surgical clips, or certain dental implants, you unfortunately can't take part. This is because the study involves MRI scans, which use strong magnets. You also can't participate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have certain significant medical or brain conditions, or are taking medications that affect your brain.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Do you have normal hearing and vision (with or without glasses/contacts)?
Do you have anything metallic in your body (like a pacemaker, surgical clips, or certain dental work)? (If yes, you likely can't participate due to MRI safety)
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you have a history of serious brain conditions or certain mental health diagnoses?
Are you able to understand study details and give your permission to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would first have a detailed MRI scan of your head and neck. This scan helps the researchers create a precise 3D model of your brain, which is important for their calculations.

After that, you would have three different EEG tests and three different MEG tests. During these tests, you'll wear a special cap with sensors on your head. For the EEG tests, you would perform three different activities: tapping your finger, reacting to a gentle electrical pulse on your wrist by pressing a button, and listening to German sentences while completing a task. Each of these activities will be repeated a number of times (240 trials for each EEG test). The MEG tests will involve similar activities.

There are no medications involved in this study. The total duration of your participation would involve the MRI scan and the separate EEG and MEG testing sessions. The researchers would provide more specific details about the time commitments involved.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in research studies provides valuable information that can help many people in the future, but there might not be a direct benefit to you personally. The main benefit is helping scientists understand the brain better, which could eventually lead to improved care for others. Potential risks are generally low, but include typical minor discomfort from wearing the EEG/MEG caps or staying still during the MRI scan. There's also the very small risk associated with MRI scans for people with certain metal implants, which is why strict checks are in place. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Technical University Ilmenau
Verified postcode
Ilmenau, Germany· Recruiting
Max-Planck-Institut für Kognitions- und Neurowissenschaften [Cognitive and Neuroscience]
Verified postcode
Leipzig, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an EEG or MEG scan?

EEG and MEG are special tests that measure the tiny electrical and magnetic signals your brain produces. They help researchers see which parts of your brain are active when you think, move, or feel.

Will this study help my memory or brain function?

No, this study is for research, not treatment. It won't directly improve your memory or brain function, but it helps scientists understand how the brain works in general.

Are the tests painful?

The tests, such as wearing the caps or having an MRI, are generally not painful. You might feel a gentle buzz on your wrist for one part of the study, but it's not meant to hurt.

How long will I need to be at the research centre?

You'll need time for an MRI scan, and then separate sessions for the EEG and MEG tests. The researchers will give you a detailed schedule of times if you're interested.

Can I stop if I don't like it?

Yes, you are completely free to stop participating in the study at any point, for any reason, and you don't need to explain why.

How to find out more

Sergey N Makaroff, PhD

snmakaroff@wpi.edu 508-831-5017 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.