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Brain Imaging
About the CoEE: This collaborative CoEE leverages USC’s expertise in cognitive neuroscience, computer science, engineering and public health and MUSC’s international reputation in brain imaging and new brain therapies. The CoEE is creating a world-class brain imaging center and is likely to launch start-up companies in the areas of deception detection (lie detection) and minimally invasive brain stimulation technologies. The CoEE-launched facility, McCausland
Imaging Center, located at Palmetto Richland Hospital, includes dedicated research
space and scanner time, allowing scientists to conduct research with neurologically healthy
individuals as well as clinical populations. In 2005, the CoEE launched the Center for Animal
Imaging, which provides translational research in substance abuse and epilepsy therapy. In
2008, MUSC also opened the Center for Advanced Imaging Research. Two recently acquired MRI systems, a Siemens Trio MRI system and a Bruker 7‐Tesla, have attracted important companies such as GlaxoSmithKline, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, and BioValve, which use the systems to speed drug discovery and development in mood stabilizers, anticonvulsants and cognitive enhancers. A CoEE partnership has been formed with Ladson-based Force Protection Industries (FPI). A leading manufacturer of tanks and armored vehicles, FPI will use CoEE research in the prevention of traumatic brain injury due to combat explosions. Tests have begun on “phantom” heads. Initially after the phantom heads are impacted by explosions, there appears to be little change in appearance. However, after further examination, the “brain” material shows an inability to transfer liquid, which parallels a human brain’s ability to transfer information from one area to another. FPI will use this research to develop better explosive-resistant military vehicles, while the CoEE will use the findings to better detect and treat traumatic brain injury.
Federal and private research funding to date is in
excess of $7 million, and the CoEE has been selected to submit a proposal as the dedicated
neuroimaging core for a $60 million U.S. Department of Defense Congressionally Directed
Medical Research Program PTSD/TBI clinical consortium.
Funding level: Endowed Chairs:
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