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Division of Applied Science & Technology (DAST)

Contents

• Introduction
• Current Research
• Collaborations
• NIBIB Contacts

Introduction

As part of the Extramural Science Program Office of the NIBIB, the Division of Applied Science and Technology supports and encourages innovative technologies, methods, products, and devices for research that will transform the practice of medicine by enabling earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment of disease and injury. The division accomplishes this goal by supporting extramural research, collaborations, workshops, and conferences. In accomplishing its goals, the Institute works closely with other Institutes and Centers at NIH, other Federal agencies, private entities, and other organizations.

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Current Research

The division has research and development programs in the following scientific areas:

• Image-Guided Interventions – The use of images for guidance, navigations and orientation in minimally invasive procedures to reach specified targets. Examples include image-guided interventions for minimally invasive therapies such as surgery and radation treatment, biopsies, and the delivery of drugs, genes, and therapeutic devices. (Contact: Dr. John Haller)
• Imaging Agents and Molecular Probes – The development and application of novel imaging agents and probes for clinical or preclinical applications. Examples of supported research include the development and application of quantum dots, nanoparticles, nanoshells, microbubbles, radio-labeled contrast materials, and smart imaging agents that are bioactivatible or activated by other chemical, physical, or biological means. (Contact: Dr. Yantian Zhang)
• 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. (Contact: Dr. Alan McLaughlin)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy – Technological development of 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, and molecular imaging. The emphasis is on technological development rather than detailed applications to specific diseases or organs. (Contact: Dr. Alan McLaughlin)
• Nuclear Medicine – Functional and molecular imaging using gamma-ray 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 the positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission combined with computed tomography (SPECT) to CT and/or to MRI, and the design of higher resolution, lower cost PET and SPECT devices for the study of molecular probes in small animals. Other topics of interest include the development of better radio-pharmaceuticals, crystal scintillators and collimators, and novel approaches to dual-isotope imaging and to dosimetry. (Contact: Dr. John Haller)
• Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy – Development and application of optical imaging, microscopy, and spectroscopy techniques; and the development and application of 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. (Contact: Dr. Yantian Zhang)
• Engineered Functional Imaging Agents and Drugs – Advanced imaging techniques and high-speed computing, and improved models for the detailed structure of proteins and other molecules in the biological environment can lead to the development of highly selective therapeutic and/or imaging agents. This research program is focused on developing tools to determine the precise structure of important biomolecules in-situ and on the development of agents that selectively bind to these molecules. (Contact: Dr. Alan McLaughlin)
• Ultrasound: Diagnostic and Interventional – The primary focus of this program is research and development of diagnostic, interventional and therapeutic uses of ultrasound. The diagnostic ultrasound program includes the design, development and construction of transducers, as well as transducer arrays and transducer materials, innovative image acquisition and display methods, innovative signal processing methods, and optoacoustic and thermoacoustic technology. It also includes the development of functional imaging contrast agents, image and data presentation, and image fusion. The interventional ultrasound program includes the use of ultrasound for therapeutic use, or as an adjunct for enhancement of non-ultrasound therapy applications. Examples include high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) as a noninvasive or minimally invasive interventional surgical or therapy tool, and as an adjunct interventional tool. It also includes the use of ultrasound contrast agents for therapy and targeted drug delivery, and the use of ultrasound for image-guided surgery, biopsy, and other interventions. (Contact: Dr. Hector Lopez)
• X-ray, Electron, and Ion Beam – This program covers computed tomography (CT), computed radiography (CR), digital radiography (DR), digital fluoroscopy (DF), and related modalities. Research areas of support include the development of flat panel detector arrays and other detector systems; flat-panel CT; CT reconstruction algorithms for the cone-beam geometry of multislice CT; approaches to radiation dose reduction, especially with CT; and novel x-ray applications such as those utilizing scattered radiation and tissue-induced x-ray phase shifts (Contact: Dr. Hector Lopez)

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Collaborations

The division is currently involved in several important collaborative activities:

• NIH Bioengineering Consortium (BECON) – The NIBIB serves as the administrative home of BECON. BECON is the focus of bioengineering activities at the NIH. The consortium consists of senior-level representatives from all of the NIH Institutes and Centers, plus representatives from other Federal agencies concerned with biomedical engineering research and development.
• Biomedical Information Science and Technology Initiative (BISTI) – BISTI is aimed at maximizing NIH’s opportunities to benefit from the use of computer science and technology to address problems in biology and medicine.
• Liver Disease Subcommittee of the Digestive Diseases Interagency Coordinating Committee – This interagency subcommittee helps to coordinate efforts related to liver and biliary diseases. The sub-committee includes representatives from the 17 NIH Institutes and Centers.
• NIH Blueprint for Neurosciences – The NIBIB participates in the Blueprint in several areas: better ways to image neural activity, and neuroimaging tools and database clearinghouse. The NIBIB also participates in the development of neuroscience training initiatives. Additional information on the Neuroscience Blueprint is avavilable at: http://neuroscienceblueprint.nih.gov.

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NIBIB Contacts

You may contact NIBIB program staff with your 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 can be found in the Directory of Scientific Programs. 

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