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NIBIB Exhibit Booth
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In order to promote the mission, research, and activities of the NIBIB, the Institute has a traveling exhibit that is featured at a number of scientific, educational, and professional society meetings during the year. The exhibit, a colorful display of images provided by NIBIB grantees, gives those interested in the NIBIB an opportunity to talk with Institute staff and to obtain materials related to the Institute and its programs.
A synchrotron X-ray beam (far left) blasts water molecules to form hydroxyl radicals. These react with chemical chains on an adenovirus protease molecule (left) to reveal, in the 3-D model at right, how adenoviral DNA (red) binds to and activates the AVP protease. Photo credit: Image used with permission from the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Row 2 Images
 RUPERT (Image 1)
One of the most common stroke disabilities is a paralyzed arm. The Robotic Upper Extremity Repetitive Therapy device, or RUPERT, gives stroke survivors a portable system to retrain their muscles to perform basic tasks such as picking up a cup. As the patient's abilities improve, the robot's computer adjusts the assistance delivered by the pneumatic muscles. The system was developed by Kinetic Muscles, Inc. and Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute. Photo credit: Tim Trumble/ ASU
 Computer-Generated Brain Image (Image 2)
In this computer-generated image of a human brain, surface convolutions have been flattened out, allowing scientists to more accurately measure the brain? geometric and anatomical properties. The brightly colored regions show activation of the primary auditory cortex in response to various sound frequencies. To obtain the image, researchers used ultrahigh-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with a magnetic field strength of 7 tesla, which provides highly detailed information about brain structure and function. NIBIB-funded investigator: Dr. Kamil Ugurbil, University of Minnesota
 3D Multienzyme Complex (Image 8)
This computer-generated three-dimensional (3-D) image shows a multienzyme complex that plays a key role in cellular metabolism. Shown are three interlocked enzymes: pyruvate dehydrogenase (yellow), dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase (green), and dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (red). Scientists derived the image from two-dimensional cryoelectron microscopic pictures of the enzyme complex in cow kidney and various bacteria. The 3-D structures shed light on how the enzymes work together to help produce ATP, the principal storage form of energy within the cell. NIBIB-funded investigator: Dr. James Stoops, University of Texas-Houston
Row 3 Images
 Combined Brain MRIs
Using computer software programs, scientists combined brain MRIs from 20 normal people into this composite image, in which ellipsoids represent normal anatomical variations. Pink-purple ellipsoids, signifying the greatest variation, occur in brain regions that are uniquely human, or example, regions that control language and logical reasoning. Blue ellipsoids, representing slight variations, occur in brain regions that control sensation and movements. Ultimately, this baseline data on interpersonal variability will allow scientists to distinguish normal anatomical variation from abnormal brain loss, such as that seen in Alzheimer disease. NIBIB-funded investigator: Dr. Paul Thompson, University of California, Los Angeles
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Bottom Row Images
 Focused Ion Beam System (Image 1)
This focused ion beam system produces high-brightness ion beams for use in secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). In SIMS, a primary ion beam bombards the surface of a sample, causing secondary ions to be ejected. Scientists then use mass spectrometry to determine the masses and identities of the ejected particles. SIMS analyses allow scientists to study cellular chemistry and biology in health and disease. NIBIB-funded investigator: Dr. Samar Guharay, FM Technologies, Chantilly, Virginia
 Bioengineered Scaffolding (Image 5)
Nerve cells, tagged with fluorescent red dye, grow on a bioengineered scaffolding that creates a ring-shaped pattern. The scaffolding consists of meningeal fibroblasts?cells that form the connective tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Scaffolding such as this may one day form the basis of implants for repairing severed spinal cords or damaged nerves. NIBIB-funded investigator: Dr. Thomas Beebe, University of Delaware, in collaboration with scientists at the Keck Center for Tissue Engineering at the University of Utah
 Microfabricated Microneedles Drug-Delivery Device (Image 6)
This chip, resting on a fingertip, is an array of 400 microfabricated microneedles new, painless type of drug-delivery device. The microneedles are long enough to move drugs through the outermost 10- to 15-micron layer of skin, which is the primary barrier to drug transport, but not long enough to stimulate pain impulses in nerves, which are located in deeper tissue. NIBIB-funded investigator: Dr. Mark Prausnitz, Georgia Institute of Technology
 Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) System (Image 7)
This brain-computer interface (BCI) system assists patients who are completely paralyzed from severe neuromuscular disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig? disease), brainstem stroke, or high-level spinal cord injury. In a BCI system, the brain? electrical activity is detected through the scalp and processed by a computer to extract wave patterns indicating the user? intent. The patterns are then translated into commands for a device, such as moving a cursor on a computer screen or operating a wheelchair. NIBIB-funded investigator: Dr. Jonathan Wolpaw, Wadsworth Center, Albany, New York
 Integrated 3-D Display for Anesthesiologists (Image 9)
This integrated 3-D display for anesthesiologists provides real-time measurements of a patient? clinical status, including heart rate, stroke volume, blood pressure, arterial oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate on a single computer screen. Compared with the traditional display of this data, the integrated 3-D display allows anesthesiologists to more rapidly detect and respond to critical events. NIBIB-funded investigator: Dr. Dwayne Westenskow, University of Utah
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