Human Magnetometry Laboratory

Next-generation Human Neuroscience

The Human Magnetometry Laboratory, led by Read Montague, Ph.D., is pushing the frontier of next-generation human social neuroscience. The brand new lab combines the latest available technology in optically-pumped magnetometers and magnetically shielded rooms. These facilities will enable researchers at Virginia Tech to be the first in the world to study the brain activity underlying social interactions during face-to-face, upright exchanges. Using scalp-based sensors, the researchers are developing new techniques to define standards for movement-tolerant optically-pumped magnetometry and magnetoencephalography research. The scientists are also evaluating new sensor mounting strategies that enable face-to-face interactions without large equipment that covers part of the research participants' face - all at a reduced cost to improve experimental ease.