Magnetism lab advances medical sensor development

The University of Glasgow has recently unveiled a cutting-edge medical magnetics research lab dedicated to sensor development. This state-of-the-art facility, costing £250,000, features a bespoke magnetically shielded room called MuRoom. The MuRoom is designed to eliminate any magnetic interference from external sources, such as nearby electronics and the Earth's magnetic field, ensuring precise and accurate research outcomes.

Within this lab, the MuRoom will play a crucial role in enabling researchers to create prototypes of devices capable of detecting extremely weak biomagnetic signals. These signals are produced by human muscles (magnetomyography or MMG), as well as vital organs like the heart (magnetocardiography or MCG) and brain (magnetoencephalography or MEG). By developing magnetic sensors, the lab aims to revolutionize the current standard methods for monitoring muscle, heart, and brain activity, offering higher resolution and more detailed insights.

Moreover, these advanced magnetic sensors have the potential to provide valuable data for creating 3D visualizations of the signal source. This innovation could significantly enhance the control of advanced prosthetic limbs and pave the way for new forms of human-computer interaction through wearable devices. The implications of this research extend beyond traditional medical practices, opening up exciting possibilities for the future of healthcare and technology.

Neuranics, a collaborative effort between the universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, is actively involved in developing spintronics-based sensors for various applications in health, fitness, and extended reality (XR). The company will leverage the resources and expertise offered by the newly established magnetism lab to further their research and development efforts.

Professor Hadi Heidari, a key figure from the James Watt School of Engineering and Chief Technology Officer of Neuranics, spearheaded the installation of the magnetism lab. Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, he highlighted the groundbreaking potential of the lab's research outcomes, particularly in the field of medical diagnostics. He emphasized the significance of three-dimensional measurements of magnetic signals in identifying conditions that may go unnoticed by conventional diagnostic methods, such as certain types of 'silent' strokes.

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One of the lab's key initiatives is the SUPREMISE project, which aims to explore the diverse applications of MMG technology. Professor Muhammad Imran, Head of the James Watt School of Engineering, expressed his excitement about the lab's potential to drive innovation in the biomedical and sensing research fields. He emphasized the importance of fostering collaborations between academia and industry to advance medical sensor technologies and transformative solutions for healthcare, prosthetics, and human-computer interaction.