We at CIR – Centre for Imaging Research – are looking for participants for a study at Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital.
The aim of the study is to explore and develop opportunities for a better understanding of the brain through multimodal imaging using the latest internationally unique brain imaging instruments that have recently become available for research.
The study consists of four main parts: (1) brain imaging with MEG, (2) brain imaging with MRI, (3) mapping of cognitive and mental health, and (4) blood sampling. The project is planned as a longitudinal study with follow-ups every 5 years to track individual changes in the structure and function of the brain and to make predictions about its development.
To participate in the experiment, you need to be:
The compensation for participating in the study is 300 SEK per hour. The same compensation applies for completing online questionnaires, which includes an additional 90 minutes of compensation. The compensation is taxable.
If you are interested in participating in any of these experiments, you can contact Ida Friberger and Anna Canal at kimagine-cns@ki.se.
You may not wear the following during the measurements:
In addition to measuring brain activity, we will also record your eye movements and heart rate. For these measurements, we will attach a number of small electrodes to your face and collarbones. The electrodes are applied and removed without discomfort, and the measurement itself is not felt.
MEG is used to record brain activity. It measures the magnetic fields that are naturally generated when the brain's neurons are activated as part of ongoing and naturally occurring brain activity.
The measurement is non-invasive, passive, and silent. The recordings are done in a magnetically shielded room (~4m x 3m x 2.4m). During the recordings, you sit in a comfortable chair with your head in a scanner helmet. Since the sensors detect extremely weak magnetic fields, you cannot wear any metal during the recordings. Therefore, you will need to change into clothing without metal objects for the measurements. Clothing and a changing room will be provided by us.
MRI is a non-invasive method used to map the brain's structure and measure its activity.
The powerful magnetic field in an MRI scanner can attract ferromagnetic objects, causing them to move rapidly and with great force toward the center of the scanner. This can pose a risk to the participant or anyone near the object. Therefore, extensive precautions are taken to prevent ferromagnetic objects from entering the MRI room. It is important to remove all metal objects in advance, including watches, jewelry, and clothing with metal wires or buttons, before undergoing an MRI scan.
You are not allowed to wear the following during the scan:
Before the MRI scan, you will fill out a screening form and undergo an interview to ensure you understand the questions. The scan will take place in a special room with an MRI scanner, and you will lie on a comfortable padded table that will be gently moved into the scanner. You will use earplugs and headphones as the scanner can produce loud noises, which is normal and nothing to worry about.
The experiments are expected to take a full day at the Karolinska Institutet campus in Solna and a half day at the campus in Huddinge, plus approximately 90 minutes for online questionnaires.
All participants included in the study will undergo two MRI scans and two MEG scans with simultaneous EEG recording. Cognitive and mental health will be assessed through questionnaires with questions and puzzles, as well as physical interviews at the Solna or Huddinge campuses. MRI and MEG measurements, along with blood sampling, will only be performed by personnel trained in these methods.
1. Evaluation of the participant's mental health and cognitive abilities
The participant will fill out questionnaires and undergo interviews to assess their mental health and cognitive abilities. The questions cover topics such as memory, anxiety, depression, trauma, pain, and motor skills. The tests can be conducted online or on-site at Karolinska Institutet in Solna or Huddinge and take between 5 and 90 minutes to complete.
2. Preparation for brain imaging
The MEG recordings take place at NatMEG at Karolinska Institutet in Solna. Upon arrival, you will be asked to remove all electronics and metal items and change into MEG-compatible clothing. You will receive information about the study and have the opportunity to ask questions before signing a consent form. Preparations include attaching electrodes to your head, neck, and collarbones to measure heart rhythm and eye movements, as well as putting on an EEG cap. Small coils are taped to your head, and their positions are recorded. The preparation process takes about 30 minutes.
3. Recording with OPM MEG
You will be brought into a magnetically shielded room where you will sit in the OPM MEG scanner. The sensors are adjusted to lightly touch your head, and electrode and coil cables are connected. After a 3D scan of your head and the helmet, the recording begins, which includes both resting measurements and simple tasks such as looking at images, listening to sounds, or receiving light touches on your fingers. During the recording, which lasts approximately 60 minutes, you will mostly need to sit still.
4. Recording with Conventional MEG
After the OPM MEG recording, you will have a break before the conventional MEG recording begins. You will return to the magnetically shielded room and undergo the same experiment as during the OPM MEG recording, but with the conventional MEG scanner. This recording will also take approximately 60 minutes.
5. Recording with MRI
At a separate time, an MRI scan of your head will be conducted at Karolinska University Hospital in Solna (3T MRI) and Huddinge (7T MRI). The data collection includes a structural image (T1; 4 min), an anatomical image (T2; 4 min), a series of structural images (ASL, DWI, T2w; approximately 15 min) to measure anatomy and blood flow, as well as a functional image (fMRI resting state; 6 min) to measure brain activity over time. The MRI scan will take about 30 minutes.
6. Blood Sampling
During the visit, a venous blood sample will be taken from the elbow by a licensed professional, consisting of 5–8 blood collection tubes (3–5 ml per tube). The sampling will take approximately 10 minutes, and the samples will be stored in a biobank for future analyses, such as DNA and RNA screening, protein and cell analysis, and antibody measurement. Participants will be called for follow-ups every five years.
