Quantum brain scanner aims to scan troops on-site for blast injuries

The UK is developing the world’s first fully mobile quantum-powered magnetoencephalography (MEG) brain scanner designed to detect real-time neurological changes in military personnel shortly after blast exposure. This portable system, funded with over £3 million by the Ministry of Defence, will allow medical teams to conduct advanced brain imaging directly at firing ranges or deployment sites, eliminating the need to transport troops to fixed hospital scanners. The technology uses optically pumped magnetometer MEG (OPM-MEG) sensors to non-invasively measure subtle and transient electrical brain activity changes caused by shock waves from high-power weapons, which typically vanish within 24–48 hours and are difficult to capture with conventional hospital-based scanners. Developed by Cerca Magnetics in collaboration with the Universities of Nottingham and Birmingham, the mobile MEG system aims to provide immediate, precise insights into the acute effects of blast exposure and track neurological recovery over days. This breakthrough is expected to improve decision-making regarding safe blast exposure limits and return-to-duty