The University of Tokyo PhD student and her team have been awarded for their work exploring broader, real-world applications for magnetoencephalography
MELVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 24, 2024 — AIP Advances and AIP Publishing are honored to announce The University of Tokyo’s Xinyu Cao as the recipient of the 2024 Advances in Magnetism Award for her and her team’s paper, “Feasibility study on on-board magnetoencephalography with optically pumped magnetometers.”
In the paper, Cao and her team use experimental and simulation-based exploration to probe the potential for collecting magnetoencephalography (MEG) measurements with optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) outside of shielded-room environments.
“The key finding is that, despite magnetic interference in real-world settings, techniques like active magnetic shielding can significantly reduce magnetic noise, revealing the potential for MEG measurements outside of conventional, shielded rooms,” said Cao. “This lays the foundation for future applications of MEG in more flexible scenarios.”
The paper was selected out of a field of nearly 200 presented at the 2023 Annual Conference on Magnetism and Magnetic Materials (MMM).
A PhD student in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Systems at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Engineering, Cao’s research domain involves the application of active magnetic shielding technology in MEG. Already boasting high temporal and spatial resolution, MEG’s usefulness has been heavily bolstered by the relatively recent development of wearable sensors such as OPMs.
Those sensors, according to Cao, permit for more flexible and mobile measurements — allowing for brain activity to be monitored in real-world environments where subjects aren’t confined to one position in a shielded room.
“The key issue I am currently addressing is how to effectively shield against magnetic interference during subject movement, thereby suppressing motion-induced magnetic noise and improving the precision and operability of MEG measurements,” said Cao.
Describing herself as “deeply honored” to win the award, Cao noted this recognition is not just a reflection of her individual efforts but also a testament to the dedication and collaboration of her entire team. She wanted to specifically thank her laboratory members for their unwavering support and collaboration, as well as her advisor, Professor Sekino Masaki.
She also extended sincere gratitude to the award selection committee and MMM conference organizers for their establishment of an immensely important platform that promotes field-wide engagement and education.
“Presenting our work at such a prestigious academic forum has been instrumental in refining and advancing our research,” said Cao.
Looking toward the future, Cao noted her current research goal is to develop real-time feedback control systems integrated with spatial tracking technologies which allow for the monitoring of brain activity under more dynamic conditions.
“This award inspires me to continue pursuing innovation in the field of magnetism, with the goal of driving the development of related technologies and expanding their practical applications in biomagnetic research,” said Cao. “I look forward to contributing to the ongoing progress and advancement of the field of magnetism in the years to come.”
To be eligible for the Advances in Magnetism Award, an MMM conference paper must be accepted for publication in AIP Advances. An award selection committee reviews papers nominated by the publication editors who are handling the manuscripts for a current MMM conference. The award is given to the first author of the winning paper. The award includes a $3,500 USD cash prize and a $2,500 USD travel allowance for the next in-person MMM conference.
Contact AIPAdvances-journalmanager@aip.org for questions about eligibility, the selection process, or the award.
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For more information:
Rob Press
rpress@aip.org