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Scanning Brainwaves to Read the Mind

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Broadcast Date: Tuesday 11 April 2006, 12:15-12:30 GMT
Summary: New Brain Scanning Technology

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The West Midlands Region - At the Heart of it All

Aston University is proud to be located in the West Midlands at the heart of the UK.



Advantage West MidlandsThis video is kindly supported by Advantage West Midlands
www.advantagewm.co.uk



 Synopsis

Brain ScanFor centuries people have used many different techniques to try to look inside the human mind and unlock its secrets. Brainwaves were first detected electronically years ago, but much of what has been learnt was only possible by physically entering the skull.

Today at Aston University, researchers are employing new types of brain scanning technology to rapidly advance our understanding of the human brain, in totally non-invasive means.

By using Magneto-Encephalography (MEG) and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI) they can locate brainwaves and the pattern of oxygen use in different areas of the brain and have begun to map brain functions.

They are beginning to learn how different parts of the brain work together, and eventually may learn how thoughts and memories are built up.

In the meantime their work is proving valuable in clinical uses, in planning brain surgery, and helping to understand illnesses like epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease.

Footage:
- Close up sculpture head
- Exteriors of Vision Sciences Building
- MEG and MRI Scanning in progress
- Different brain scans on screen

Interviewees:
- Dr Paul Furlong, Convenor of Neuro-Imaging Research Group,
School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University

 Further Resources
 General Information

ALL STORIES ARE AVAILABLE TO ALL APTN SUBSCRIBERS ON TUESDAY 11 APRIL 12:15 TO 12:30 GMT. AVAILABLE FOR GENERAL VIEWING FROM 17:00 GMT ON TUESDAY 11 APRIL. ALL SCRIPT INFORMATION AND VIDEO PREVIEWS ON WWW.RESEARCH-TV.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL RESEARCH-TV ON: 44 (0) 207 004 7130.

Page contact: Tracy Playle Last revised: Tue 11 Apr 2006
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