Division of Applied Science & Technology (DAST)
Contents
Introduction
The mission of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
is to improve health by leading the development and accelerating the application
of biomedical technologies. The NIBIB is home to the biomedical imaging and bioengineering
research communities and encourages the integration of the physical and life sciences
to advance human health by improving quality of life and reducing the burden of
disease.
The Division of Applied Science and Technology is one of three divisions within
the NIBIB’s Office of Extramural Science Programs. Through grant, cooperative
agreement, and contract mechanisms, the division promotes, fosters, and manages
bioengineering and biomedical imaging research programs in the funding areas listed
below.
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Research Programs
- Image-Guided Interventions – innovation and development of technologies
that use images during minimally invasive surgery or biopsy. Technologies may include
interventional device development, as well as algorithms and imaging devices used
for guidance, navigation, and orientation during minimally invasive procedures.
(Steven Krosnick, krosnics@mail.nih.gov)
- Magnetic, Biomagnetic and Bioelectric Devices
– technological development of magnetic, biomagnetic, and bioelectric devices
(e.g. EEG and MEG). Examples include novel detectors, increased sensitivity and
spatial resolution, improved reconstruction algorithms, and multiplexing with other
imaging techniques. (Alan Mclaughlin, mclaugal@mail.nih.gov)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy
– technology development and advances in MR imaging and MR spectroscopic imaging
for research and clinical applications. Examples include fast imaging, high-field
imaging, design of novel RF and gradient coils, novel pulse sequences, design of
novel contrast mechanisms, imaging informatics, in vivo EPR imaging, multi-modal
(i.e., PET/MRI) technologies, and molecular imaging. The program emphasizes technological
development rather than detailed applications to specific diseases or organs. (Guoying
Liu, liug@mail.nih.gov)
- Molecular Imaging –the development,
evaluation, and application of molecular imaging/therapy agents and novel molecular
imaging methods to study normal biological and pathophysiological processes at the
cell and molecular levels, as well as the clinical or preclinical applications of
molecular imaging research. Examples of supported research include the development
and application of surface functionalized nano-particles, bioactivated imaging agents,
theranostic agents, and high sensitivity/specificity molecular imaging approaches.
(Richard Conroy, Richard.Conroy@mail.nih.gov)
- Nuclear Medicine – functional and molecular
imaging using single photon or positron emissions from radioactive agents that are
injected, inhaled, or ingested into the body and then concentrate in specific biological
compartments. Two particularly active areas are positron emission tomography (PET)
and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Other areas of interest
include the design of higher resolution or sensitivity devices, hybrid imaging systems,
the development of better radiopharmaceuticals, crystal scintillators and semi-conductor
detectors, high performance collimators, novel approaches to dosimetry, radiation
dose reduction via hardware or software, novel reconstruction techniques, and dual-isotope
imaging. (Alan Mclaughlin, mclaugal@mail.nih.gov)
- Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy –
the development and application of optical imaging, microscopy, and spectroscopy
techniques, as well as optical imaging contrast agents. Examples of supported research
areas include fluorescence imaging, bioluminescence imaging, OCT, IR imaging, diffuse
optical tomography, optical microscopy and spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, multiphoton
microscopy, flow cytometry, and the development of innovative light sources and
fiber optic imaging devices. (Richard Conroy,
Richard.Conroy@mail.nih.gov)
- Ultrasound: Diagnostic and Interventional
– the design and development of innovative transducers and transducer arrays.
Also included are development of innovative image acquisition and display methods,
innovative signal processing methods, and functional imaging methods including elastography,
Doppler and color Doppler, and radiation force imaging. It also includes development
of innovative imaging agents for contrast enhancement and molecular imaging. The
interventional ultrasound program includes the use of ultrasound as an active agent
for therapeutic intervention and as an adjunct to enhance non-ultrasound therapy
applications. (Hector Lopez, lopezh@mail.nih.gov)
- X-ray, Electron, and Ion Beam – computed
tomography (CT), computed radiography (CR), digital radiography (DR), digital fluoroscopy
(DF), phase-contrast and diffraction-enhanced imaging, and other related X-ray modalities.
Research areas of support include the development of flat panel detector arrays
and other detector systems and materials, as well as improved contrast materials
and methods. High priority is given to innovative approaches for radiation dose
reduction, including improved CT reconstruction algorithms, as well as photon counting
detectors for use with CT to improve image quality and utilization of optimal energy
bands for specific applications and improved contrast. Research areas dealing with
development of clinical application methods of diffraction-enhanced imaging and
phase contrast imaging are of great interest. (Hector Lopez,
lopezh@mail.nih.gov)
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Collaborations
The division is currently involved in several important collaborative activities:
- Single Cell Analysis – The goal of this trans-NIH Common
Fund Program is to accelerate the discovery, development and translation of cross-cutting,
innovative approaches to analyzing the heterogeneity of biologically relevant populations
of cells. It includes (1) the discovery of new, innovative tools for spatiotemporal
imaging, manipulation, analysis and modeling of a biologically relevant population
of cells with minimal perturbation, (2) milestone-driven validation and translation
of technologies for characterizing single cells in situ meeting the needs
of end users, and (3) growth of this multidisciplinary research community through
workshops and collective endeavors. (Richard Conroy,
Richard.Conroy@mail.nih.gov)
- Biomedical Imaging Informatics – This program, supported
by funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as part of an initiative
within the Department of Health and Human Services, focuses on accelerating the
dissemination and implementation of evidence-based biomedical imaging practices.
The program includes (1) development of comprehensive clinical decision support
tools with automated integration of medical knowledge and dynamic information on
available local resources and (2) use of bioinformatics tools to inform and assess
decision-making impact by patients and providers, and portable, low cost technologies
that provide expert support at the point-of-care. (James Luo,
James. Luo@ nih.gov)
- The Human Connectome Project – The HCP involves 16 NIH institutes
and centers and is part of the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research (www.neuroscienceblueprint.nih.gov).
The HCP supports research that uses cutting edge imaging technologies to map the
circuitry involved in brain function in healthy humans. (Guoying Liu,
liug@mail.nih.gov)
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NIBIB Contacts
Please contact NIBIB program staff with questions about funding opportunities or
the application process. We welcome the opportunity to speak with potential applicants
about the Institute’s programs. Areas of scientific coverage for each member
of the program staff are listed on the NIBIB website at
www.nibib.nih.gov/Research/ProgramAreas.
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Printable Fact Sheet
Last Updated On 09/04/2012