Currently under development by scientists at the University of Nottingham and the University of Birmingham, this mobile scanner will bring state-of-the-art magnetoencephalography (MEG) capabilities to the field. The new technology is crucial as it will capture subtle and fleeting brain function changes that occur shortly after blast exposure, changes which often disappear within 24 to 48 hours, making them impossible to detect with conventional scanners.
A Major Step Forward for Military Health
The new mobile MEG system, which is expected to be operational by March 2026, marks a significant advancement in military healthcare. This portable laboratory will be able to deploy directly to firing ranges, field hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, eliminating the need to transport soldiers to fixed medical facilities for scans. For the first time, clinicians will have access to accurate, real-time brain activity data within minutes of exposure to high-power weapons. According to the Ministry of Defence, this innovation is vital for improving decision-making regarding troop safety, as subtle neurological changes can accumulate over time and lead to serious health issues.
The technology is also a response to a critical defense challenge: the long-term effects of repeated exposure to blast shockwaves on soldiers. Studies suggest that this exposure, even without visible injury, can gradually increase the risk of neurological conditions such as dementia or epilepsy. But because the symptoms of these injuries are often transient, traditional hospital-based scanners have been unable to capture them in time. The new MEG system, however, will allow medical teams to track these effects with precision.
How Quantum Technology is Changing the Game
The new mobile MEG scanner is a product of advanced quantum technology, which has been under development for a decade under the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme. According to Professor Matthew Brookes, chair of Cerca Magnetics, the company leading the project, the introduction of mobile MEG lifts limitations that have historically confined such devices to stationary academic settings.
“This new generation of MEG lifts limitations that have historically confined scanners to universities, paving the way for mobile systems that can be taken directly to those who will benefit most. This new generation of MEG lifts limitations that have historically confined scanners to universities, paving the way for mobile systems that can be taken directly to those who will benefit most.” he explained.
The mobile nature of the system will enable rapid deployment to where it’s needed most, allowing immediate response to blast-related injuries.
One of the key features of the new system is its ability to non-invasively measure electrical brain function with unprecedented precision and sensitivity. This makes it ideal for capturing the subtle effects of blast exposure, which often cannot be detected by traditional methods. According to Professor Karen Mullinger, co-lead of the research program, the system will provide a “time-stamped, accurate picture” of brain activity in the hours and days following a blast, providing valuable data on how the brain recovers after exposure to high-energy shockwaves.
Implications Beyond the Military
While the initial focus of the mobile MEG system is on military personnel, its potential extends well beyond the defence sector. As noted by Louise Sandher-Jones, Minister for Veterans and People, this technology will also benefit civilians affected by conditions such as dementia, epilepsy, and concussion. The mobile MEG system’s ability to track subtle changes in brain function could significantly advance research into these conditions, improving diagnosis and treatment options.
This dual-purpose technology highlights the broader societal impact of defence innovations. Lt Col James Mitchell, Consultant Neurologist and Chief Investigator of the UK Military Blast Study, emphasized the importance of this technology in not just protecting military personnel, but also in providing insights that could shape public health policies. With data from this system, experts hope to develop evidence-based exposure limits and better understand the long-term impact of blast trauma on the brain.
The world’s first mobile quantum brain scanner promises to transform how both the military and the medical field address brain injuries, offering unprecedented insights into the effects of blast exposure. By providing immediate and precise data, the system could play a pivotal role in protecting the health of military personnel and, ultimately, contribute to advancements in the treatment of neurological conditions affecting civilians as well.