Equipment: MRI: track 2 MEG system with integrated helium recovery equipment for cognitive neuroscience

Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Office of Integrative Activities awarded $2.6 million through the Integrative Activities program (CFDA 47.083) to Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute to acquire a MEGIN TRIUS NEO magnetoencephalography (MEG) system with integrated helium recovery equipment. The award, effective September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2028, supports the acquisition and deployment of this advanced neuroimaging instrument at the institute's Albuquerque, New Mexico facility. The MEG system provides high-channel density neuroimaging capabilities with exceptional temporal sensitivity for measuring neuronal electrical activity, complementing existing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology by capturing rapid changes in brain dynamics and enabling measurement of deep neural structures.

The instrument will support multiple cognitive neuroscience research initiatives, including studies on child brain development and behavior, memory system dynamics, brain stimulation effects on function and behavior, and sleep's role in cognitive outcomes across the lifespan. By integrating MEG data with structural information from magnetic resonance imaging and applying artificial intelligence analytical methods, the system will enable translational research aimed at improving health outcomes and advancing understanding of brain-behavior relationships. The helium recycling capability addresses resource sustainability while enabling continued operation of this critical research infrastructure. The equipment acquisition will provide significant research and training opportunities for the institution's federal research enterprise.

Abstract

The major research instrumentation project supports the acquisition of a new magnetoencephalography (MEG) instrument, the megin trius NEO with an integrated helium recycler. MEG is a functional brain imaging technology that provides exquisite sensitivity to the timing of brain activity and is a direct measure of neuronal currents. The technology is complementary to other neuroimaging techniques, such as fmri, which has high spatial sensitivity but limited sensitivity to rapid changes in brain dynamics. The MEG instrumentation is critical for supporting cognitive neuroscience research. Sample planned projects that use the instrument include new research to gain further insight into the development of brain and behavior in children, examination of the dynamics of memory systems, elucidation of how brain stimulation enhances brain function and behavior, and investigation of the role of sleep for cognitive and behavioral outcomes across the lifespan. The megin trius NEO is a high-channel density, commercially available MEG system that provides high sensitivity to weak signals allowing for measurement of deep structures and low amplitude signals. The equipment also dramatically reduces use of helium, a limited resource. By combining MEG data with structural information obtained with magnetic resonance imaging, new knowledge is obtained by understanding how brain function and structure relate to outcomes across the population. The goals of some research supported by this instrumentation is translational and aims to inform understanding of the brain to improve health and outcomes for all. Other research supported by this instrumentation uses artificial intelligence to interpret these complex datasets to enhance the understanding of the links between brain and behavior. Overall, the instrumentation will provide significant research and training opportunities. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.