“MythBusters” turns to BrainMaster for EEG in Mind Control Testing

     Discovery Channel’s MythBusters have built their reputation, and a television career, on bringing serious scientific investigation to some not-so-easy projects. These experienced special effects engineers and their team have found their place in life by finding the truth about myths, related to everything from fire and electricity to explosions, jumping cars, and homemade weapons. Their mission is to debunk, prove, or otherwise conclude what can be said about myths and legends using experiments, simulations, and (sometimes unbelievable) tests, and they do it with creativity and zeal. 
     When they decided to study “Mind Control” myths first hand, they needed a serious professional quality EEG that was easy to use, dependable, and accurate, and provided instant research-quality results, documentation, and statistics.  After consulting with EEG expert Cindy Keerson of Marin Biofeedback, they knew that the BrainMaster was what they were looking for.
     In the “Mind Control” episode, they studied four claims regarding mind control devices: Electronic Hypnosis, Pulsed Air, Subliminal Messaging, and a Rotating Magnet, all with EEG recordings as well as lab observations on team members whose minds were being “controlled”.  They constructed a special shielded chamber, and fitted their subjects with scalp sensors connected to a BrainMaster 2E EEG communicating with a PC running BrainMaster software outside the chamber.  The scalp EEG sensors were placed over the sensorimotor strip at standard 10-20 locations C3 and C4, and referenced to the individual ears providing clear, 2-channel “monopolar” recordings.  The software produced real-time raw and filtered EEG waveforms plus a live spectral array display, as well as detailed automatic session summaries of 8 frequency bands per channel (time-series amplitudes, frequencies, percent energy, coherence, etc). When they tested the system by banging on the chamber door, producing a clear startle response in the EEG, the team concluded, “The system is working.”
     The team recorded EEG’s during all of their Mind Control tests, and used the both the live and summarized brainwave data to help fortify their conclusions. The BrainMaster system provided hard scientific data that was used in addition to the subjects’ reports and behavior, when making final conclusions. In one case, for instance (Subliminal Messaging), it was the EEG data that convinced the investigators that the lab observations were just by chance (his nose was itching), to reach a conclusion of “not confirmed”.
     You’ll have to get the episode for yourself, available at the following URL: http://shopping.discovery.com/product-60391.html
     It is very educational, stimulating, and entertaining.  For some very brief video clips (without sound) of the episode, try the links below, just to see what it looks like.  To see the entire episode with sound, you’ll have to purchase the DVD from the Discovery Channel.  We recommend it, it’s worth it.

Applied Neuroscience and BrainMaster announce new real-time Z Score Training 3/31/06  

BrainMaster Technologies, Inc. and Applied Neuroscience, Inc (ANI) are pleased to announce the availability of a new tool for use in EEG neurofeedback training, assessment, and related work. The "Z Score DLL" training system is a joint development, that provides real-time neurofeedback training, using state-of-the-art signal processing, the NeuroGuide normative database analysis, and new computational methods.

The Z Score DLL provides, in real time, a total of 72 real-time values computed on a continuous basis, by the ANI "Z Dll" software.  These calculations are performed more than 30 times per second, and provide data useful for training, as well as for assessing the current condition of the trainee, via. their normative EEG scores on any of the 72 components. These consist of Z scores for the following estimators: Absolute Power (2 channels, 8 bands), Relative Power (2 channels,8 bands), Power Ratios (2 channels, 10 ratios), Amplitude Asymmetry(8 bands), Coherence (4 bands), and Phase Difference (8 bands). 

Z scores provide an instantaneous measure of how the trainee's EEG compares with a normal population.  Scores are based upon the EEG signal, the sensor locations, the age of the trainee, and whether eyes are open or closed.  With this information, the Z Score system is able to provide values of 0.0 (normal), positive (above normal) and negative (below normal) scores.  A Z Score of -1.0, for example, means the trainee is 1 "standard deviation" below normal for their population.  So when a trainee sees an alpha level of8.5, for example, and asks "what does it mean," it is now possible to express this measurement (and 71 others) in terms of comparison to the normative population.  This makes it possible to construct protocols that are "aware" of how the trainee fits in, and how their EEG values compare with normative.  This is of considerable value in amplitude and power measurements, but is even more essential for coherence, phase, and asymmetry scores.  Since it is not possible to easily tell whether a given trainee's coherence is "OK" without a normative population, this system now opens the door to more meaningful, more responsive, and more confident EEG training. 

These Z Scores provide, in real time, similar (and consistent) data as provided in a QEEG (e.g. NeuroGuide) when a QEEG is used for normative statistics. The difference is that now these Z scores are available in real time, and are used in tandem with existing clinical neurofeedback software.  It thus becomes possible to perform a mini-assessment of selected variables, during the training. Z scores can also be used to create feedback events such as sounds, games, BrainMaster's Flash games, set inhibits or artifact detection, or control other interfaces, events, or devices.  Z scores can be processed and used in an unlimited array of possible protocols, using the fact that "0.0"means "normal", "1.0" means "a bit high", "2.0" means "very high", "3.0" means "extremely high", and so on.  In other words, once a Z score training protocol is set up for one trainee, it is automatically adapted to other trainees, by entering their age, eyes open/closed condition, and the sensor locations.  The normative statistics take care of tailoring the protocol to the individual, so that thresholding and related matters are dealt with automatically. 

Using these Z scores, it is possible to design training and assessment protocols using the BrainMaster  "Event Wizard" and "Math Wizard" interfaces.  These tools allow users to design protocols using a very flexible, text-oriented user interface that includes access to more than 100 built-in BrainMaster training variables (Amplitude, Frequency, Percent Energy, Percent time over threshold, Coherence, Similarity, Phase, Variability, etc),and now the additional 72 Z scores.  The Event Wizard allows users to design up to 16 complex events, each of which is a protocol on its own.  These events are designed using a "point and select" user interface.  All the design of the processing elements is preconfigured. This provides the user with access to literally thousands of possible protocols, at the click of a mouse. 

Thus, by training to Z scores instead of (or in addition to) raw scores, it is possible to normalize EEG values in real time, without the need for repeated QEEG recordings.  For example, instead of training simply to a coherence metric, one could train to the Z score, and can train within a set of limits, rather than simply a threshold.  It is also possible to combine Z scores with any other variables during training, to provide protocols that are complex in design, yet simple to use.

It is possible, for example, to train to coherence or phase scores, and to watch the scores in relation to the normative population.  This takes the guesswork out of coherence and related training, and removes the need for repeated QEEG measures, to track the trainee's progress and condition. 

The "Math Wizard" further extends the BrainMaster  2.5SE training capabilities by allowing the use of hundreds of expressions and variables in simple equations, providing training flexibility and power.  Ratios, logarithms, combinations of variables, yes/no decisions, and so on, are all available via. the Math Wizard.  Even Z scores can be used in mathematical expressions, creating new training variables whose scope and power are virtually unlimited.  One can, for example, create a training variable that says "go" only when all coherences are within their normal range.  Or one that gives special sounds when certain coherences go above (or below) their current levels.  Or, in conjunction with a MINI-Q, one could scan the entire head for brief periods of time, normalizing coherences at each pair, for a full-head training capability.  These applications are only the tip of the iceberg, considering the breadth and depth of new protocols that are now possible. 

It is the policy of BrainMaster Technologies, Inc. and Applied Neuroscience, Inc., to work collaboratively, to mutually develop and validate state-of-the-art signal processing and feedback technologies, in the area of EEG feedback. We are proud to offer this latest generation of collaborative development, and to make it available to the clinical community.
(Z-Score DLL, Patent Pending)

MorrisonDance & BrainMaster presented “INSIDE” - a collaboration of dance and EEG Brainwave Technology
”What a truly groundbreaking experience. Our collaboration with BrainMaster was one of it's kind! We plan to look at the data from all the EEG brainwave readings from the performances”.
MorrisonDance & BrainMaster presented "INSIDE"
as a part of Cleveland's first annual Ingenuity Festival.

Dancer moves with surgical precision
Friday, September 02, 2005 (The Cleveland Plain Dealer)
When James Levin invited Cleveland choreographers to create movement that would be performed with videos of surgery, most found the idea too gory. But not Sarah Morrison. She had a film of arthroscopic elbow surgery, and she was looking for a way to incorporate it into a dance.
"My surgery is beautiful," she said. "It's like watching deep-sea diving on PBS. It's amazing how immaculate the inside of the joint is. It's pearlescent white, like a coral reef."
The images, filmed by Dr. Thomas Anderson of the Cleve land Clinic, will be projected on two large screens at the Temple of Technology (Cleveland Trust Rotunda) as MorrisonDance performs. The choreographer first performed the piece when she was seven months pregnant. In the new version, she will dance with a brain-wave cap on her head.
As she moves in sustained slow motion, colorful electroencephalograph readings of her brain waves will be projected on two additional large screens by Dr. Tom Collura of BrainMaster. Morrison describes the contrasting arthroscopic and EEG brain wave images as "an internal landscape of the body and the brain."

The work will be performed at 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday. At 4 p.m., Collura will demonstrate neurofeedback technology with Morrison performing as the brain.

- Wilma Salisbury

BrainScape JTFA Display Added to BrainMaster 2.5 software

   BrainMaster Technologies, Inc. has added a new spectral display to the 2.5 software.  This display employs a joint time-frequency analysis (JTFA) to produce a 3 dimensional representation of EEG activity.  The display has selectable range and scale, and incorporates a proprietary multiple-order spline interpolation method. This display provides a sensitive representation of signal dynamics (waxing and waning, bursting, etc.) of even short, high-frequency EEG activity. Events that are undetectable using conventional waveform or spectral displays can be clearly seen, and trained, when using this type of display. This display is also particularly useful for practitioners and students who require a clear display of EEG activity over an extended period, such as hypnotherapists, psychotherapists, meditation teachers, and personal coaches. The display can be used at any time in 1 or 2-channel mode, including either live or playback sessions.  It is useful both as a training tool in real-time, and as a tool for analysis and documentation of recorded sessions. It is also useful during or after a MINI-Q session, as a means for displaying the EEG dynamics of each of the pairs of sites. With a MINI-Q, homologous EEG pairs can be analyzed and displayed to reveal asymmetries, synchrony, and other significant interhemispheric EEG similarities and differences. For an example of the use of the BrainScape in 2-channel mode, including the detection of brief synchronous gamma bursts, see the following report.  This shows EEG data acquired using the MINI-Q, and used in both conventional and channel sum/difference mode, to differentially detect (and train) synchronous EEG activity such as alpha and gamma. Click here to download the paper Detection of Synchronous EEG Events using ChannelSum/Difference Mode and JTFA
     Report on BrainScape JTFA and detection of synchronous EEG events The BrainScape display is considered part of the standard 2.5 software, and is now available as an web-based or email update to the standard distribution. It is accessed using the "Spectral" Window control in the updated 2.5 software.  This display will be included in forthcoming 2.5 CD releases, along with other enhancements planned for 2.5. For 2.5 Users who wish to update their software: To update your 2.5 software to the latest release with BrainScape and other enhancements, use the following URL: www.brainmaster.com/software/2.5 This page contains the 2.5 "core" release (70 Mb) as well as the (much smaller) update.  To load just the update, go to the link that says: "To download the latest SW update"

BrainMaster 2.0SE Available - No Cost Upgrade for 2.0 Users

BrainMaster Technologies is proud to announce 2.0SE, a no cost upgrade for all 2.0 users.  2.0SE offers new features and capabilities along with continued high-quality performance and output. Our new simplified installations instructions will make it simple and easy for you to take your BrainMaster to the next level. Features include improved baseline/run length control (1 second resolution); additional built-in folders for Assessment Asymmetry, and others; additional comment/notes folders; on the fly threshold adjustment per channel and frequency adjustment (+/- 0.5 Hz); two coherence modes (training/similarity and assessment/pure); realtime phase calculation display, training; improved pause control, sound indication, artifact detection and indication, autothreshold calculation and response; improved screen color for user band; improved control panels for training windows and additional software; improved BoxFlow, TrendView and Thermo Windows.  New circles screen with 2-channel display; additional sound modes (phase, complex); EEG audio (alpha/theta sounds) added to AVI options; improved review screen capabilities, and improved Excel file output (standard deviation, modal frequency, phase).  Plus a simplified Session Librarian Control.  The 2.0SE is a no-cost upgrade for all 2.0 users.

BrainMaster 2.5 Software Now Available
2.5 is a new software release that provides a separate set of folders and settings, all of which will operate at 256 samples per second for increased resolution and improved time and frequency response for assessment and training purposes. Additional improvements in control and protocol processing are also provided.
When used with a standard 2.0 enabled 2E module, the 2.5 software by BrainMaster Technologies provides superior training to 40 Hz and above, when compared with the standard 2.0 or 2.0SE software.  In addition, 2.5 supports the new WIDEBAND 2E modules and provides training capability to 60 Hz and above when used with these modules.  The new WIDEBAND modules are supported by the enhanced 2.5 software, as well as the BioExplorer Enhanced Driver, NeuroCare Pro, the upcoming BrainMirror 1.2, and additional forthcoming software releases. 2.5 is a new software release that installs over 2.0.  All of your 2.0 folders and settings remain unchanged by the addition of 2.5 to your system.

WIDEBAND 2E Module for Advanced Neurofeedback Application
BrainMaster Technologies is proud to announce the availability of a new WIDEBAND 2E Module for advance Neurofeedback Application. This device provides the capabilities of the existing 2E Modules but has the amplifier bandwidth extended for high-frequency training when using the latest software. The WIDEBAND device has a bandwidth of 60 Hz (-3dB) and is intended to be sampled at a minimum rate of 256 samples per second. This device is supported by software including the new BrainMaster 2.5 release, the BioExplorer Enhanced Driver for BrainMaster, NeuroCare Pro, the forthcoming BrainMirror 1.2 and additional software in development.  Researchers and practitioners who are working with 40 Hz (gamma band) training and other higher frequency EEG rhythms, will find this device of value. It provides superior recording and feedback of fast EEG rhythms and with the higher sampling rate, provides high-resolution EEG recordings for assessment and training purposes. The WIDEBAND 2E represents the latest in a continuing series of improvements to BrainMaster products in the same class with devices costing many times more.

BioExplorer Enhanced Driver for BrainMaster
BrainMaster Technologies is proud to announce the availability of an Enhanced Driver for BioExplorer which supports all existing 2.0 enabled 2E Modules, as well as the latest WIDEBAND 2E units.  BioExplorer users have appreciated the flexibility, graphics and sound capabilities of this software package. BrainMaster was the first device supported by BioExplorer and we have consistantly led the industry in open, innovative software development.  Until now, BrainMaster users have been able to utilize 1 or 2 channels of EEG at the standard sampling rate of 120 samples per second and have asked for further capabilities and performance. Now, the Enhanced Driver for BioExplorer provides important new capabilities which will be of value for anyone interested in acquiring, processing and using BrainMaster data in the most up to date and powerful manner.  The driver provides new capabilities including faster sampling rates (800 samples/second for one channel, 256 samples/second for two channels), use of the AUX/HEG channels, and support of the WIDEBAND 2E modules. These capabilities open new doors to advanced EEG assessment and training, use of combined modalities, flexible use of the AUX data and other possibilities.
 

BrainMaster participates in NASA project

Under a recently completed development contract (RDE 1168 / L-16076), our research division, BrainMaster Technologies Solutions, Inc. has produced and delivered a new type of EEG-based controller now being used at the NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA.   This innovative device was designed for real-time brainwave monitoring in cockpit and flight simulator environments, furthering research into brain/EEG dynamics during difficult tasks. BrainMaster is proud to participate in this work, which reflects the innovation and quality we strive to bring to all of our products.

NEW ON THE WEB SITE

Battery Rescue Kit Now Available
Run your BMr equipment on a 9 volt battery. Also available: Rescue meter option. This meter warns you when the internal battery is low by showing current voltage. * Never experience a dead battery again -- invest in a Rescue Kit as backup! * Charge your Bmr (internal battery) while running it off the 9 volt external battery. NO DOWN TIME * Supports AUX devices when properly connected

CHECK OUR OUR NEW (Revised January 2005)
PRODUCT CATALOG SECTION. Now a downloadable PDF file.

NEW FlexCap^TM - Click Here

The MINI-Q makes it easier to take multiple electrode readings without errors and without the fuss and bother of changing electrodes and moving pins. Used with our 2 channel EEG the Mini Q makes it easy to measure from different pairs of electrodes selected two at a time by simply turning a switch. It is possible for example to measure 8 electrode locations in 4 minutes providing a quick and simple assessment aid.

Improved Interactor Cushion Software - Our “Cushion 1.1” software is now available, and offers improved control for the Interactor Cushion when used with the BrainMaster EEG training system.

As always, we are updating the Distributors Page and Affiliates Page as we receive new information or changes from our Dealers and Affiliates. The Affiliate Instructions for listing can be downloaded in Word format HERE.