UNews - magnetic resonance imaging

NSERC funding CREATEs more opportunity

trevor.kenney — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 19:52:18 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge students will benefit from a new training program recently announced by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

Over the next six years, the federal government, through NSERC, will invest more than $1.65 million at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge to give young researchers the opportunity to learn the technical and professional skills that will prepare them for successful careers in science and engineering.

Through the Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) Program, U of L researchers in neuroscience and biological sciences will work with up to a dozen post-doctoral fellows, more than 20 graduate students and eight undergraduate trainees.

They will be cross-trained on a wide variety of approaches to biological systems research and will have access to state-of-the-art equipment, including magnetic resonance imaging, supercomputers, and a host of lab gear unique to the collection and analysis of genetic material, including DNA. The U of L project is one of four in Alberta and among 17 funded nationally.

"The core of our program is the training of graduate students to be productive team members, not just research subordinates," says Dr. Robert Sutherland, a neuroscience researcher at the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN) and the CREATE program principal investigator.

"Current postgraduate training programs at the U of L generally are characterized by a very high standard of science but they have been focused on a limited range of research approaches," says Sutherland. "Our program will provide a world-class training environment for students and post-doctoral trainees in the field of information processing in biological systems, integrating cell biology, dynamic imaging, and neuro-computation."

Sutherland adds that the U of L proposal is based on the idea that the next generation of innovators in life science must have a tool kit that contains methods for seeing a bigger research picture, in particular how molecules move within cells, how to measure the activity of large distributed networks of cells, and how to use theoretical computer models and apply them to their research.

"This training will contribute significantly to a new generation of Canadian neuro/life scientists who are equally at home with a microscope or microelectrode, as with a supercomputer. This combination is essential for innovation in this part of life science and in its application in the future," says Sutherland.

"This funding will be a big win for our students and our researchers," says Dr. Dan Weeks, the U of L's vice-president (research). "Our neuroscience and biological sciences programs already have a good track record of placing graduates in quality positions in the academic and research community. By adding even more value to the student experience with the CREATE program, we are making already-excellent programs better, and in a way that really helps our students move forward with their careers."

As well, Weeks says that by adding an undergraduate component to the program, students who are looking at a career in research can get a head start on that process.

"We are building a lot of research capacity here, and in unique and collaborative ways that wouldn't be possible at a larger university," says Weeks.

This is the second CREATE program at the U of L. In 2010, imaging science researchers received funding to support a program in advanced methods, education and training in hyperspectral science and technology (AMETHYST).

Roughly midway through the program, 20 students are currently in AMETHYST, which creates training environments linked directly with internships at over 35 collaborating agencies in industry and government, as well as other selected universities worldwide.

Within this program, graduate students have the opportunity to spend up to four months in organizations, such as NASA, the European Space Agency, the German Helmholtz Research Centres, and locally with the Blackbridge Group, a Lethbridge-based imaging company that is the world's fourth largest private satellite owner/operator.

In addition to class time and specific projects, undergraduate students who qualify for the AMETHYST program work with the co-operative education office on campus to manage work placements locally, nationally and internationally.

"NSERC's CREATE Program is providing a valuable experience for students and postdoctoral fellows to learn practical skills and to engage in cutting-edge, multidisciplinary and, in some cases, international research," says NSERC President Suzanne Fortier. "Exposing our trainees to an innovative, collaborative training environment will enable them to succeed in careers that contribute to the world's top research."

In its first two years (2009-11), the CREATE Program supported 40 teams of researchers and 1,513 students and postdoctoral fellows. In this round of funding, more than $28 million will be invested in 17 projects.

On the forefront of an emerging science

trevor.kenney — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:05:42 +0000

Humans have long wished to see beyond what our limited vision permits. For proof, consider the invention of microscopes, telescopes and satellites. Today at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, researchers are using state-of-the-art digital imaging technologies to view even more areas – within the body and across the planet – that would otherwise be inaccessible to mortal eyes. Along the way, vast amounts of data are being collected.

"Solutions to the world's biggest problems can be resolved with high-quality, reliable data," says Dr. Daniel Weeks, the U of L's vice-president (research). "Our researchers are gathering, analyzing and making data more useful so important decisions can be made faster and more easily."

The emerging science of digital imaging is being pushed by researchers across disciplines at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

For example, using sensors to acquire information about the Earth's surface (a process called remote sensing) can help farmers evaluate the health of their crops. In medicine, similarly, magnetic resonance imaging, which produces 3-D images of soft tissue, can enable doctors to assess a patient's brain after a stroke.

For these reasons, and many more, imaging was named one of the top 20 greatest engineering achievements of the 20th century by the National Academy of Engineering in the United States. Indeed, imaging is effecting enormous change in multiple fields. In recent years, the U of L has attracted numerous international imaging-science researchers in such diverse disciplines as physics, astronomy, kinesiology, geography, neuroscience and new media. As a result, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ identified imaging as a key area for growth.

There are many on-campus facilities dedicated to supporting imaging research at the U of L. They include two remote-sensing laboratories, a brain-imaging centre and a soon-to-be completed and unique-in-Canada facility for calibrating remote-sensing instruments. Also, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is home to a satellite-receiving station that is operated in conjunction with Iunctus Geomatics Corp., founded by U of L alumnus Ryan Johnson (BSc '98, MSc '00).

Two researchers benefiting from those facilities are Dr. Craig Coburn of the Department of Geography and Dr. Albert Cross of the Departments of Neuroscience, and Physics and Astronomy.

Coburn is finding new ways to solve problems with, and extract information from, remotely sensed data. He has built remote-sensing instruments for such clients as the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. And while the official use of the instruments is classified, Coburn speculates their job may be to spot disturbances in soil. This data could indicate the presence of landmines, for example.

"Imaging is about more than pictures," says Coburn, reflecting broadly on the field. "These are scientific-grade research instruments floating in space and they can provide a lot of valuable information if we know how to render the image."

The same is true of neuroimaging instruments, says Cross. "Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we can track activity in the brain and unravel how the brain is organized."

An MRI physicist, Cross is developing new, minimally invasive techniques for neuroimaging. Using lab rats, Cross is studying the efficacy of manganese as a way to produce contrast changes in regions of the brain that correspond to prior experiences during MRI scans.

Imaging science can effect tremendous change in many fields, Weeks believes. On that note, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ plans to broaden the impact of its imaging science research. "We're reaching out to potential partners in China, India and Germany, for instance. By finding new collaborators and exploring new avenues of discovery together, we can further increase the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's global footprint in this exciting area of investigation."

Extraterrestrial

Long before Star Trek popularized the phrase, "To boldly go where no man has gone before," humanity has been interested in the cosmos. But sending people deep into space is dangerous and expensive. Fortunately, extraterrestrial imaging enables us to find faraway stars, galaxies and planets, and puts the universe in closer reach.

Neuroimaging

We already have proof that the brain is a powerful tool. You do, after all, remember the location of your keys (most days). But in what areas of the brain does thinking actually happen? And how does the whole system work? By providing images of the brain as it goes about its business, neuroimaging offers important insights about the process of cognition.

Motion capture

Movement is something many of us take for granted. But researchers know there's more to human motion than heaving yourself out of bed, running around with a to-do list and then crashing on the couch. What are the subtle mechanics of motion? Knowing this information will advance our understanding of how bodies move, and will benefit everything from the fine arts to the field of kinesiology.

Atmospheric

The air that surrounds our planet may appear clear some days and a smoggy soup on others. But no matter the atmosphere's appearance, there's always a mix of gases up there. Some have little impact on our weather. Others, like carbon dioxide, are dramatically changing our climate. Atmospheric imaging researchers study the composition of the Earth's atmosphere and detect the trace gases that can be climatic game-changers.

Satellite

We've come a long way from the days of setting out on long expeditions to record the contours and features of the land. Today, we look above to satellites for a big-picture view of the planet. But small details are significant, too. For instance, what's happening on the Earth's surface in each region of the world? Satellite imaging enables us to see such phenomena as deforestation and the development of deserts.

Donors stay true with support

trevor.kenney — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 20:59:33 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's 2008 fundraising results show that a healthy $7 million was raised to support more than 200 separate areas on campus – from scholarships and bursaries to research projects and equipment purchases that will make a significant difference to students and researchers.

"Despite challenging economic times that have had an impact globally, the U of L has had one of the best years ever, thanks to our generous contributors," said President Bill Cade. "Our dedicated donors made this year such a success, and we are truly grateful."

"There is no doubt that as times get tough we need individuals and private businesses to show leadership and confidence through continued investment in our community," Cade added.

"The support provided to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is a great example of this leadership. We are building something very special here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge – something our community can be proud of. I think the support we received this past year shows they are already proud."

In 2008, more than 3,200 gifts were received from alumni, friends, students, and current and retired employees, with 69 per cent of those gifts destined to help students directly through student awards.

Donor generosity also enabled the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to obtain more than $3 million in matching funds from the Government of Alberta through the Access to the Future Fund.

Since 2005, more than $9 million has been directed toward the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge for scholarships, bursaries and support to the institution as a result of the province's matching program.

Generous ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge supporters featured in the 2008 Donor Report include:

- Glenn Varzari, a local Chartered Accountant, and his spouse Janice Varzari, a U of L Senator, member of the Alumni Honour Society and a counselor with Lethbridge Family Services, who supported the new Markin Hall building project for the Faculty of Management and School of Health Sciences. Their gift was matched by both the Chartered Accountants Education Foundation and the Access to the Future Fund.

- Calgary-based oil and gas entrepreneurs Darol and Evelyn Wigham, who have supported the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ for many years with scholarships, bursaries and books for the Faculty of Education library. Their most recent gift helped researchers at the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience acquire specific equipment for a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility.

- Internationally renowned Canadian operatic tenor -- and U of L Honorary degree recipient -- Dr. Ben Heppner, whose benefit concert in Lethbridge established an endowment for U of L music students. More than $50,000 was raised for an award that will encourage students to pursue the performing arts.

- Charlene Janes, a staff member in the U of L International Centre for Students, who has established a bursary for international students. Charlene is one of more than 280 U of L faculty, staff and retirees, who have contributed towards Supporting Our Students 2008, an annual campaign to raise money for student awards.

- Nexen Inc. and Imperial Oil, which gave to support water research initiatives. When matched through the Access to the Future Fund, their support resulted in a combined $1 million investment in water research at the U of L.

UNews - magnetic resonance imaging

NSERC funding CREATEs more opportunity

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On the forefront of an emerging science

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