A recent study highlights the potential of the functional function that is traditional for brain imaging near the infrared spectrum (FNIRS) device to enhance cognitive functions by the process called photomistive (PBM). This pioneering study led by professors. Professor Natalia Arias from the University of East London and Professor Natalia Arias from NeBrija University marked a significant change in the application of FNIRS technology from diagnostic tools to cognitive enhancers. These discoveries were published in the “Behavior Research Method” of the peer review journal.
Functional near -infrared spectrum (FNIRS) runs by measuring the changes in cerebral blood mobility, and uses near -infrared light to detect changes in tissue oxygen. Historically, FNIRS has been praised for its portability, safety, and tolerance to movement, which has made it the first choice for studying brain activities in different people. However, the recent discovery shows that near -infrared light can also regulate neural activity, which is called photomistive (PBM). Professor Martini said: “Our research shows that the standard use of FNIRS devices will generate PBM, which affects cognition.”
In their research, the researchers conducted a series of cognitive tests on the participants, one of which wearing active FNIRS devices, while the other was wearing non -activity. The focus of these tests is the reaction time and accuracy of the prefrontal cortex function, assessment and memory, attention, and execution functions. It is worth noting that compared with the control group, the group with active equipment shows a faster response time and the accuracy of improvement. This shows that FNIRS has a practical impact on enhanced cognitive performance through PBM.
An important aspect of this study is that its methodology is strict. Each participant conducted a cognitive assessment before and after wearing the FNIRS device. The task includes a delayed matching sample task (DMS), a backless counting task (BCT) and an Estroop test. Compared with the control group, the experimental team of wearing activity equipment has improved significantly in all tasks. For example, in the DMS task, the experimental group showed a significant and faster response time and the accuracy after stimulation. These results are consistent between different cognitive areas, thereby enhancing the potential of FNIRS in cognitive enhancement.
The ARIAS research team elaborated the basic mechanism of PBM and pointed out that near -infrared light and cytochrome CO oxidase (CCO) interaction in mitochondria restored the activity of electronic transmission chain and improved energy metabolism. It is recommended that this nerve regulating effect has a long -term impact and may provide non -invasive means to promote the cognitive function of people with health individuals and people with cognitive disorders.
Professor Martini and Professor Alias emphasized the novelty of their discovery: “Our research is the first to prove that the traditional FNIRS device can also act as a cognitive enhancer through PBM. This dual function can be used. Open new ways for the research and practical application of cognitive enhanced therapy.
The meaning of this study is far -reaching. FNIRS devices have been valued with their diagnostic ability, which can become a powerful tool for enhancing cognitive functions, helping to treat and aging, and decreased cognition related to brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, the discovery of the study shows that FNIRS can be used to enhance the cognitive performance of health individuals, bring benefits in education and professional environment, and open the door for non -invasive therapies in aging.
By revealing a new role that the FNIRS device can play in the regulating cognitive activity, the author of this research also hopes to talk to the scientific community and warn researchers that the possible interactive effects that may be generated during the “conventional” use of this tool. Professor Martini and Professor Alias proposed a simple way to overcome the defects of the agreement and obtain these influences to control these influences to disclose the real effectiveness of the intervention measures in the investigation (Martini and Arias, 2024).
In short, the research conducted by Professor Martini and Professor Alias’s research group put forward a convincing case for FNIRS technology’s cognitive enhancement capabilities. Their research not only expands their understanding of FNIRS, but also pave the way for their applications to improve cognitive health. With the continuous development of neuroscience, the integration of FNIRS and other diagnosis and treatment technologies is expected to make significant progress in cognitive science and mental health.
Journal reference
Waight, JL, ARIAS, N., Jiménez-García, AM, etc. From functional nerve images to nerve stimulation: FNIRS device is a cognitive enhancement. Behav Res 56, 2227–2242 (2024). Doi: https: //doi.org/10.3758/s13428-02144-y
Martini, M and ARIAS, N. The impact of near -infrared light stimulation and motion on cognitive functions in FNIRS research. Nerve image 2024 April 15: 292: 120615. Doi: https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120615
About the author
Matteo MartiniIt is currently a professor of psychological biology and cognitive neuroscience at the University of Fuggia’s Cognitive and Emotional Neuroscience Laboratory. It is also a main researcher. He received a master’s degree in experimental psychology and then received a doctorate degree. Doctor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Sapienza University in Italy. After studying after work after studying in D’ugation Pi I August Pi I Sunyer in Spain, he served as a lecturer and senior lecturer at the Department of Psychology of East London University in London, England. The study of Martini contains different aspects of cognitive function. From the research of pain and injury feelings to the latest research on cognitive enhancement through different intervention measures (such as sports activities and brain stimuli).
Dr. Natalia Arias Graduated from the PI of Biology and Psychology, Master of Neuroscience, Psychology Doctors and Life and Natural Sciences, the School of Life and Natural Sciences. Her teaching experience has spanned various university systems and specializes in the results of the students in the university environment. At the research level, she is interested in non -invasive treatment in the early stages of neurodegeneration and the early stages of finding biomarkers in these diseases. Her attention scope from preclinical tests to human translation, which is reflected in many cooperation with national and foreign universities and companies.
