Optical Magnetometre

Before this gets too exciting, realize that this piece refers to measuring the sciatic nerve impulse of a frog’s leg. Still, researchers at the University of Copenhagen have been able to measure the magnetic field of a nerve impulse using a sensor that relies on a laser beam, and an optical magnetometer, at a distance of several millimeters, and at room or body temperature.   Neurology researchers for the past three decades have been able to make measurements such as this, but had to rely on superconducting quantum interference devices, running at extremely low temperatures.  Nerve conduction studies might anticipate a new generation of discovery.   MORE

Image Credit: University of Copenhagen and TechnologyReview.com