NIR Spectroscopy -- A Noninvasive Mind-Reader?
Canadian researchers at the Bloorview Research Institute (Toronto, ON, Canada) and the University of Toronto have developed a way to use optical imaging to decode preference by measuring the intensity of near-infrared light absorbed in brain tissue.
Canadian researchers at the Bloorview Research Institute (Toronto, ON, Canada) and the University of Toronto have developed a way to use optical imaging to decode preference by measuring the intensity of near-infrared light absorbed in brain tissue. Brain–computer interface (BCI) systems like this could enable people with severe or multiple disabilities to communicate and control external devices via thought alone.
The system is based on the use of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to study cerebral hemodynamics during the decision-making process. NIRS has been investigated before as a non-invasive tool for reading thoughts. But previous NIRS-BCI setups required user training. For example, to indicate “yes” to a question, a subject would need to perform a specific unrelated task, such as a mental calculation. The key difference in this latest system is that the BCI is trained to directly decode neural signatures corresponding to specific decisions. Because no secondary task is required to indicate preference, the design should be more intuitive to use, decreasing the cognitive load required to operate the interface and removing the need to train the user.
How Satellite-Based Spectroscopy is Transforming Inland Water Quality Monitoring
Published: April 29th 2025 | Updated: April 29th 2025New research highlights how remote satellite sensing technologies are changing the way scientists monitor inland water quality, offering powerful tools for tracking pollutants, analyzing ecological health, and supporting environmental policies across the globe.
NIR Spectroscopy Explored as Sustainable Approach to Detecting Bovine Mastitis
April 23rd 2025A new study published in Applied Food Research demonstrates that near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can effectively detect subclinical bovine mastitis in milk, offering a fast, non-invasive method to guide targeted antibiotic treatment and support sustainable dairy practices.
Smarter Sensors, Cleaner Earth Using AI and IoT for Pollution Monitoring
April 22nd 2025A global research team has detailed how smart sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are transforming the detection and management of environmental pollutants. Their comprehensive review highlights how spectroscopy and sensor networks are now key tools in real-time pollution tracking.
New AI Strategy for Mycotoxin Detection in Cereal Grains
April 21st 2025Researchers from Jiangsu University and Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power have developed a transfer learning approach that significantly enhances the accuracy and adaptability of NIR spectroscopy models for detecting mycotoxins in cereals.
