Near Infrared Spectroscopy

Dr. Rishabh Pathak

Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive optical imaging technique that measures changes in blood oxygenation levels in the brain by detecting near-infrared light absorption. 

1.     Principle:

    • Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) is based on the principle that near-infrared light can penetrate biological tissues, including the human skull, allowing for the measurement of changes in blood oxygen levels in the brain.
    • NIRS utilizes near-infrared light sources and detectors placed on the scalp to monitor changes in light absorption, which are indicative of variations in oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin concentrations in the brain.

2.     Applications:

    • NIRS is commonly used in neuroscience research to study brain activity, cognitive functions, and hemodynamic responses during various tasks and stimuli.
    • NIRS has applications in studying cognitive processes, language processing, motor functions, emotional responses, and developmental changes in the brain, particularly in infants and young children.

3.     Advantages:

    • Non-Invasive: NIRS is a non-invasive imaging technique that does not require exposure to ionizing radiation, making it safe for use in various populations, including infants, children, and clinical populations.
    • Portable and Flexible: NIRS systems are portable and adaptable for use in different settings, such as laboratories, hospitals, and research facilities, allowing for flexible data collection and monitoring.

4.     Limitations:

    • Depth of Penetration: NIRS has limited depth penetration compared to other neuroimaging techniques like fMRI, restricting its ability to measure brain activity in deeper brain regions.
    • Signal Contamination: NIRS signals can be affected by scalp blood flow, motion artifacts, and signal contamination from superficial tissues, requiring careful data processing and artifact correction.

5.     Research and Clinical Use:

    • NIRS is used in cognitive neuroscience research to investigate brain function, neural correlates of behavior, and developmental changes in brain activity.
    • In clinical settings, NIRS is employed to study neurological disorders, brain injuries, stroke rehabilitation, and cognitive impairments, providing valuable insights into brain function and hemodynamic responses in patient populations.

In summary, Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) is a valuable non-invasive optical imaging technique used in neuroscience research and clinical settings to study brain activity, cognitive functions, and hemodynamic responses. NIRS offers advantages such as portability, safety, and flexibility, making it a versatile tool for investigating brain function and neural processes in various populations and experimental conditions.

 

Having a strong interest in research, I began my work as a physiotherapist and went on to earn a master's degree in the field, specializing in neurology. I also finished a few post-graduation diplomas in between and with persistence. Research has always been a passion of mine, both for the advancement of my career and my personal life. A major factor in reaching my goals is education. Although my first bachelor's thesis was in the innovation area, I had been exposed to research work even in my informal school days. I always like working on creative initiatives and taking an interest in other people's experiences. The saying, "Healthy criticism is a way to learn more and more about your flaws to make them rectified," is true, in my opinion. In this way, we may hone our abilities and create a growth-oriented vision for both our personal and professional career pathways. I am thus constantly willing to learn and advance in my work. Additionally, I think that "it is in our hands to terminate our lives with a brand-new ending if we are unable to originate our lives with a brand-new start."

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Neural Circuits and Computation

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
Image
  Neural circuits and computation refer to the intricate networks of interconnected neurons in the brain that work together to process information and generate behaviors. Here is a brief explanation of neural circuits and computation: 1.  Neural Circuits : Neural circuits are pathways formed by interconnected neurons that communicate with each other through synapses. These circuits are responsible for processing sensory information, generating motor commands, and mediating cognitive functions. 2.   Computation in Neural Circuits : Neural circuits perform computations by integrating and processing incoming signals from sensory inputs or other neurons. This processing involves complex interactions between excitatory and inhibitory neurons, synaptic plasticity, and feedback mechanisms. 3.   Behavioral Relevance : Neural circuits play a crucial role in mediating specific behaviors by translating sensory inputs into motor outputs. Different circuits are specialized for various functions, su
Read more

How do NTN and Lmx1α influence the Notch signaling pathway during this differentiation process?

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
Image
  In the differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (h-BMSCs) into dopaminergic neuron-like cells, NTN (Neurturin) and Lmx1α (LIM homeobox transcription factor 1 alpha) play a significant role in influencing the Notch signaling pathway. The study discussed in the PDF file investigated the impact of NTN and Lmx1α on the differentiation process and the associated changes in Notch-related gene expression. 1. Neurturin (NTN):    - Neurturin is a neurotrophic factor that belongs to the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family. It has been shown to promote the survival and differentiation of dopaminergic neurons.    - In the study, h-BMSCs overexpressing NTN were induced to differentiate into dopaminergic neuron-like cells. The presence of NTN likely influenced the expression of Notch-related genes, leading to changes in the Notch signaling pathway during differentiation.   2. LIM homeobox transcription factor 1 alpha (Lmx1α):    - Lmx1α is a trans
Read more

Are there any potential side effects or limitations to consider when using Vitamin C as a treatment for malignant melanoma?

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
Image
  When using Vitamin C as a treatment for malignant melanoma, it is important to consider potential limitations and side effects. Some limitations include the lack of in vivo factors in in vitro studies, which may not fully represent biological interactions in real patients. Additionally, the studies mentioned in the review article were conducted in stimulating environments rather than in actual patients, which could affect the translation of results to clinical practice. As for side effects, while Vitamin C has shown promising anti-tumor effects in melanoma cells, further research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety in real patients. It is crucial to conduct more studies to investigate Vitamin C's role in transforming the genetic nature of melanoma and to evaluate its potential side effects when used as an adjuvant therapy. Osman, H. O., Thomas, N. E., Udekwe, S., Habashy, S., Jafri, A., & Heindl, S. E. (2021). Contribution of Vitamin C in the Treatment o
Read more