NIBIB-Supported Biomedical Technology Resource Centers

The Biomedical Simulations Resource (BMSR) in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California is dedicated to the advancement of the state-of-the-art in biomedical modeling and simulation through Core and Collaborative Research projects, as well as the dissemination of this knowledge and related software through Service, Training and Dissemination activities aimed at the biomedical community at large. The BMSR includes four core research projects:Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Systems Analysis – David Z. D'Argenio, Ph.D., Co-DirectorNonlinear Modeling of Complex Biomedical Systems – Vasilis Z. Marmarelis, Ph.D., Co-DirectorModeling of Autonomic, Metabolic and Vascular Control Interactions – Michael C.K. Khoo, Ph.D., Co-InvestigatorNonlinear Modeling of the Hippocampus – Theodore W. Berger, Ph.D., Co-InvestigatorFifteen Collaborative Research Projects serve as challenging test grounds for the Resource's methodologies and expertise. The BMSR's service activities include the development and distribution of four software packages (ADAPT, LYSIS, PNEUMA +amp; EONS).The Resource's Training and Dissemination activities include short courses, advanced workshops and the publication of associated research volumes.

The Southwestern NMR Center for In Vivo Metabolism exists to develop and apply new methods for analysis of metabolic networks in intact tissues, animals and human patients. The importance of understanding abnormal metabolism in common diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease has long been appreciated. Because of constraints in technology, however, much of this research has been conducted in isolated systems where clinical relevance may be uncertain. Progress in magnetic resonance technology provides a foundation for major advances towards new ways of imaging metabolism in patients. These new techniques offer the advantage of imaging biochemical pathways without radiation. The focus of this Resource is to bring these technologies to a level where clinical research is feasible through the development of new MR contrast agents, NMR spectroscopy at high fields, and imaging of hyperpolarized 13C.