This area focuses on the study of medical imaging methods (MRI, CT, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine) that are the basis of many aspects of clinical diagnosis. Emphasis is upon new "functional" imaging and visualization tools. The Diagnostic Imaging System (DIS) group, under the directorship of Dr. Richard Magin is connected with the development of new imaging and diagnostic protocols. The focus of the group is the use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy and Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) for the evaluation of small biological systems. In this respect, the group has concentrated on the utilization of radio frequency (RF) microcoils to investigate volume-limited and single cell samples. Microcoils, miniature transmit-receive coils having dimension of less than 2 mm, provide increased sensitivity in NMR microscopy. Current efforts are directed toward the design and characterization of novel microcoil configurations that are suitable for the analysis of engineered cellular constructs.

The MRI lab in the Department of Radiology provides an interdisciplinary research environment for students in Bioengineering who are interested in biomedical imaging. The common thread of the research program is the study of biological functionality using dynamic MRI information.

The research covers the following aspects of biomedical imaging:
• Development of new MRI acquisition techniques.
• Development of innovative algorithms for image processing and image segmentation.
• Using MRI-deived information as a basis for system modeling based for system modeling based on control theory and engineering methodology principles.
• Development of computer-aided diagnosis and treatment planning tools for brain pathologies associated with disruption of the normal biomechanics, such as traumatic brain injuries and hydrocephalous.
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For example, the MRI Research Group, headed by Dr. Alperin, is one of the leading research groups in the country studying brain biomechanics. Dynamic motion-sensitive MRI techniques are used to characterize the relationships between blood flow and cerebrospinal fluid pulsation in the brain. The research is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Other active research areas include brain functional imaging to study cognitive and motor control processes and three-dimensional visualization of vascular structures.

The department of Radiology and the MRI Research Lab are equipped with state-of-the-art MRI scanners and image processing facilities, including a high field (3 Tesla) whole body MRI scanner, a small bore animal research scanner, and a high-speed image processing workstations with dedicated software development tools such as Interactive Data Language (IDL). A very high field 9.4 Tesla whole body MRI is under development by Dr. Keith Thulborn, Department of Radiology.

Biomedical Imaging Faculty