NIRS Technology Powers Thinkie's Cognitive Training Solutions
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, or NIRS for short, is the core technology behind Thinkie and what enables our flexibility, mobility, and affordability to Thinkie users. It’s worth delving into the history behind this technology to understand why it’s so consequential to the amazing results that can be achieved using Thinkie.1
The development of NIRS technology has a rich history that intertwines the contributions of various researchers and institutions, notably Hitachi, NeU Corporation, and Tohoku University.
The origins of NIRS can be traced back to the early 19th century when Sir William Herschel discovered infrared radiation in 1800. This foundational discovery paved the way for subsequent advancements in spectroscopy. By the 1950s, significant strides were made in applying NIRS for agricultural purposes, primarily through the work of Karl Norris, who is often regarded as the father of modern NIRS technology.2 His research focused on quality assessment in agriculture, leading to the establishment of the USDA NIRS Forage Network in 1978, which further advanced NIRS applications in food analysis.34
Hitachi's involvement in NIRS technology dates back to the mid-1980s when researchers at their central research laboratory began working on a NIRS-based brain monitoring system. In January 1995, they announced the principle of "Optical Topography" and later launched their first fNIRS device, the Hitachi ETG-100, in 2001. Hitachi has continued to advance their ETG series since then.5
Hitachi began its exploration into optical topography using near-infrared light for brain applications in 1995. This initiative marked a significant shift towards medical applications of NIRS technology. By 2007, the company had progressed to technical trial production of wearable optical topography devices, which culminated in the establishment of NeU Corporation in2017. NeU emerged from a collaboration between Hitachi and Tohoku University’s Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC), focusing on portable brain measurement technologies. Incidentally, the IDAC staff features Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, a principal advisor to the Thinkie team. The NeU partnership aims to advance cognitive brain science discoveries in order to enhance our understanding and monitoring of brain activities through NIRS.67
Tohoku University has been involved in NIRS research through its various research institutes. The university's Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC) has made significant contributions to cognitive brain science. Additionally, Tohoku University researchers have been involved in studies using NIRS technology, such as the brain training with neurofeedback study conducted by associate professor Rui Nouchi and Dr Ryuta Kawashima.8 Fujifilm completed the acquisition of Hitachi's diagnostic imaging-related business on March 31, 2021. The acquisition included Hitachi's CT, MRI, X-ray, and ultrasound imaging operations, as well as its electronic health record business.9
The evolution of NIRS technology has also seen significant enhancements in instrumentation and software capabilities. The introduction of fiber optics in the mid-1980s and advancements in monochromator-detector technologies further solidified NIRS as a powerful analytical tool across various scientific fields, including medicine. By the early 1990s, functional NIRS (fNIRS) was being used clinically for patient monitoring, marking a new era for this technology. Hitachi's ongoing commitment to developing sophisticated spectrophotometers and analytical systems reflects its dedication to pushing the boundaries of NIRS applications beyond agriculture into healthcare andbeyond.10
Today, NIRS technology continues to evolve with contributions from various sectors, including academia and industry. The collaboration between Hitachi and NeU exemplifies how interdisciplinary partnerships can lead to innovative solutions that address complex challenges in brain science and healthcare. As research progresses, the potential for NIRS technology remains significant, particularly as societies grapple with aging populations and increasing prevalence of neurological disorders.
In addition to our groundbreaking application of NIRS technology, Thinkie's development has been further guided by prominent scientists, including Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, whose expertise ensures that Thinkie’s training methods are grounded in scientific research. We are a science-first company, as evidenced by the extensive research backing users’ improvements in cognitive health. Thinkie’s application of these advances in NIRS technology emphasizes our commitment to providing effective and evidence-based cognitive training solutions and sets us apart from others lacking a similarly rigorous scientific foundation.
1 Thinkie System is intended for general wellness purposes only and is not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult with a healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near-infrared_spectroscopy
3 https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6443&context=igc
4 https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/nirs.html
5 https://neu-brains.site/en/what-is-neu/
6 Ibid.
7 https://www.hitachi.com/New/cnews/month/2019/02/190208.html
8 https://www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/press/brain_training_neurofeedback_enhanced_benefits.html
9 https://www.diagnosticimaging.com/view/fujifilm-acquires-hitachi-diagnostic-imaging-business
10 https://www.hitachi-hightech.com/us/en/products/analytical-systems/spectrophotometers/uv-vis-nir