Research  >  Research  >  Centres  >  Imaging Network Ontario  >  About  >  Blueprint  >  Imaging in neuroscience
PAGE
MENU

Imaging in neuroscience

Contact: Randy McIntosh rmcintosh@rotman-baycrest.on.ca

Vision

The goal is to develop "brain movies" to understand structure-function relationships. This extends across all imaging modalities (e.g., MRI, PET, ERP, MEG) and includes basic and clinical research. The emphasis is on biomedical imaging applications that span from molecules to mankind. Applications can extend across timescales looking at brief neural events (spiking activity of cells), to short-term neural plasticity related to experience, or developmental changes across the entire life span. This field is expanding rapidly and so too are the opportunities for industrial partnerships. The eventual goal is to focus international attention to Ontario as the preferred site for neuroimaging industry.

Scientific excellence

List of participants in alphabetical order (more are welcome):

  • Graham, Simon - Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto
  • Houle, Sylvain - Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto
  • Joy, Mike - Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto
  • Lobaugh, Nancy - Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto
  • McIntosh, Randy - Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, University of Toronto
  • Menon, Ravi - John P. Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario
  • Mikulis, David - Toronto Hospital, Western Division, University of Toronto
  • Roberts, Larry - Department of psychology, McMaster University
  • Shedden, Judy - Department of psychology, McMaster University
  • Thompson, Terry - Lawson Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario

Impact

  • new hardware and software:
    • integrated networks of computers, ranging from desktop PCs to dedicated image-processing workstations
    • software development of image quantification, visualization, co-registration, and statistical analyses
  • new imaging application/developments:
    • optical imaging and near-infrared
    • neurotransmitter release, contrast agents
    • myelination development
  • new input-output devices for stimulus presentation and behavioural measure during image acquisition
  • cognitive assays (e.g., testing of patient populations, lie detection, biofeedback in rehab)

Potential industrial partnerships

  • instrumentation: GE
  • computers: Sun Microsystems, Dell Computer Corporation

Budgetary focus Of application

Strong emphasis on personnel (90%).

Timescale

Representatives at the January 12 meeting are coordinating another meeting on February 11 to discuss specific initiatives. It is hoped that the outcome of the February meeting will provide a template for one or more ORDCF submissions, which will be posted on the internet for evaluation by ImNO and other interested parties. A second meeting will be arranged in March to work on specific details of the application(s), with an eye towards a possible May submission.