New insights into the brain's network being discovered

Scientists have used new methods and analytical techniques to better understand magnetoencephalography (MEG) results, creating the first map of the dynamically changing network of the brain.

MEG is a non-invasive diagnostic tool, and therefore is of significant use to neuroscientists.

However, the data is often difficult to understand because the neuromagnetic signal varies fast and the signal to noise ratio is low. The new analysis techniques have allowed researchers to better interpret results, which has lead to new insights into the brain's network.

The researchers at Warwick University and Cambridge used 'beeps', some of which were regular and repetitive and some of which were different and out of sequence, and researchers ‘listened in’ to their brain activity using state-of-the-art MEG setup.

Their findings allowed them to produce the first map of the dynamically changing network of the brain, by measuring how it reacted to surprise.

This research will assist future projects looking to get a 'functional blueprint’ of how our brains work, by offering accurate techniques for pinpointing which different regions of the brain appear to be synchronised with each.

Posted by Ben Evans