How biomedical engineers are improving our understanding of a child’s developing mind
It’s hard enough getting a baby to sit still for a meal or a photo — imagine trying to get them to stay still for an MRI! For years, researchers have struggled to capture images of infants' brains to better understand how their minds develop and, in turn, catch developmental delays early on. Now, biomedical engineers from University College London’s (UCL) Gowerlabs Ltd. have found a non-invasive solution that provides accurate and detailed renderings of a baby’s brain, providing a fascinating new window into how our minds develop.
The team developed a wearable cap that uses hundreds of LED sensors to create 3D images of a baby’s brain. The unique pattern of fibres, with multiple independent modules, can capture brain oxygenation which indicates active parts of the brain. By monitoring changes in oxygenation over time, the cap can identify early signs of neurological conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy.
Through the use of this cap, infants can comfortably sit and have their brains mapped in virtually any environment — without forcing interruptions to normal activities. This new technology offers an inexpensive and less cumbersome process compared to MRIs, where babies would need to be asleep or sedated to capture clear images. Another bonus is that the cap eliminates the need for substances that could alter brain oxygenation and skew test results. It’s a significant step to unlocking the mysteries surrounding how our brains develop from infancy.
The ingenuity of biomedical engineers made this innovation possible. This subset of the engineering practice applies engineering principles in the development of medical equipment — from MRIs and ultrasound machines to artificial limbs and organs that help people live more fulsome lives. APEGA is proud to support biomedical engineers as they continue to find new ways of helping doctors and health professionals deliver important and lifesaving care.