The Biomedical Imaging Technology Center’ s research covers a variety of imaging methods, helping to equip both researchers and practitioners with the next generation of imaging tools and techniques. The center conducts research on both the technical and application aspects of biomedical imaging, which allows non-invasive mapping of both physiology and function.

The center also strives to expand advances in imaging and to apply these advances to biomedical problems. For example, functional neuroimaging may allow researchers to learn how the brain is affected by accidental or congenital damage, psychiatric conditions and neurodegenerative diseases.

Additionally, the center provides training and helps educate the public about the field of biomedical imaging. 

Institutions involved: Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology

Research focus: The center’s research focuses on six aspects of imaging:

• Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): used to study both normal and diseased states in the human brain
• Diffusion Tensor Imaging: used to study changes in the brain related to conditions such as fetal alcohol syndrome, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson’s disease as well as those related to normal aging
• Pulse Sequence Development: a technique for interpreting data and exploring new applications for magnetic resonance imaging
• Molecular Imaging:  used for the non-invasive, in vivo study of cellular events at the molecular level in both normal and pathologic processes
• Animal Imaging: used for in vivo biomedical research, such as monitoring therapeutic effects in drug development
• Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: used for the non-invasive, in vivo study of biochemistry. For example, this tool is being used to detect tumors and monitor treatment as well as to study normal brain metabolism and the biological basis of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

GRA investment:  The center is led by GRA Eminent Scholar Xiaoping Hu and GRA has invested in a range of BITC imaging technology.  

Web site: http://www.bitc.bme.emory.edu