The aim of our research is to apply imaging techniques to biomedical science
and clinical medice. We have the following main undergoing research projects:
(1) Development and application of
clinical imaging techniques
We develop and improve the image-based
methods for clinical diagnosis and assessment of in vivo physiology, and apply
these techniques to the analysis of the pathophysiology of various
diseases.
(2) Research of higher brain function
using functional MRI
Functional MRI is useful to detect the
neurologically activated area. Using psychological tasks, we perform theinvestigation of higher brain
function.
(3) Research of small animal imaging and
molecular imaging
Before applying new treatment to clinics, the treatment should be tested
on small animals like mice and rats. Recently, imaging techniques such as PET,
SPECT, MRI, CT and optical imaging are increasingly used in small animal
experiments. Especially using molecular imaging, which visualize cellular and molecular
biological events, biological processes within intact living animals can
be evaluated repeatedly and three-dimensionally on a whole body basis. We develop techniques of small animal imaging and molecular imaging for
preclinical study, and also conduct applied study.
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