Research
Funding
NIML conducts research supported by federal, foundation, and corporate sponsors that include: NIH, NASA, Idaho Space Grant, UNLV Clinical Translational Research Network, Idaho INBRE, American Syringomyelia and Chiari Alliance Project (ASAP), Voyager Therapeutics, Alcyone Lifesciences, Minnetronix Neuro, KBR Wyle, University of Idaho and others.
Research Overview
The NIML research program focuses on characterization and modeling of CNS structure/function/biomechanics and linking these findings to the underlying pathophysiology of neurological disorders and potential therapeutics. Researchers agree that biomechanics plays an important role in the pathogenesis and possible treatment options for CNS diseases. Thus, engineering characterization and modeling is a critical step needed to improve clinical care for patients.
CNS research requires multidisciplinary collaboration to make clinical impact. NIML's multidisciplinary research has explored the interface of engineering and life sciences that includes funding for projects with components in cognitive neuropsychology, genetics, advanced MR imaging, metabolomics, molecular biology, machine learning, and intrathecal gene and drug delivery. A summary of ongoing research projects within the NIML are listed below.
Ongoing Projects
Medical Devices
- Hydrodynamic Simulator for Brain Therapeutic Development
- NeuroTouch Brain tissue stiffness quantification
- NeuroForce Physiologic CSF flow pump
- NeuroFlux Magnetic particle drug delivery to the CNS
- NeuroChi In vitro CSF system models
Intrathecal Drug and Gene Vector Delivery
- MR Measurement and Computational Simulation of Intrathecal Drug Dispersion in Non-human Primates
Neurodegenerative Disease
- MRI-based Biomarkers for Characterization of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- MRI-based Subject-specific Brain Strain and Stress Mapping
- Advanced Ocular and Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Astronauts Following Long Duration Space Flight
- VIIP Scholar
Chiari malformation and Hydrocephalus
- Connectomic Mapping of the Human Brain With Chiari Malformation
Art Science
- Visualizing Science
Past Projects
For a complete list of past projects, please click the link below.