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Apostolos P. Georgopoulos
Neuroscience
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Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), researchers can now see the
network of continuous interactions in the brain. Each of the dots
seen here represents a sensor. Green indicates positive synchronous
interactions and red indicates negative interactions. |
Assessing
the function of the brain in disease or health has relied upon behavioral
examination—be it standard neurological examination, psychiatric
interview, or neuropsychological testing.
All behavior and cognition in the brain involves networks of nerves
continuously interacting. Because these interactions in the brain
happen at lightning speed, it has been difficult to accurately assess
them. Current methods, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging
(fMRI), take seconds to detect such activity — way too slow.
But Apostolos Georgopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., and two research colleagues
used magnetoencepha-lography (MEG) to record tiny magnetic fields
from the brain during a short period of time. They studied this
interaction in subjects who looked at a spot of light. Georgopoulos
used MEG data from 248 sensors to detect the changing interactions
over time. These measurements represent the workings of tens of
thousands of brain cells.
"This discovery will allow researchers to better evaluate the brain
functions of people with various diseases such as Alzheimer's,"
says Georgopoulos, "and to monitor the effect of treatment by assessing
the status of the brain networks over time."
Georgopoulos is a Regents professor and professor of neuroscience,
neurology, and psychiatry. He's also a member of the prestigious
American Academy of Arts and Sciences as well as the Institute of
Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences.
This latest discovery was published in the January 10 issue of
the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Reprinted with permission from the Spring 2006 edition of Medical
Bulletin, a publication of the Minnesota Medical Foundation.
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