Research
大象传媒 researcher explores brain circuit function in autism
A 大象传媒 researcher has received nearly $1 million for a unique study exploring the circuit function of the brain, specifically the differences seen in autism.
Teresa Cheung, assistant professor of professional practice in the School of Engineering Science and a researcher with 大象传媒鈥檚 ImageTech Lab at Surrey Memorial Hospital, receives the (CIHR) as part of a collaboration between 大象传媒, Fraser Health, Seattle Children鈥檚 Research Institute and the University of Washington.
The research project could set the stage for new therapies to help children with autism, announcing the funding.
鈥淭his is a strong commitment to study autism in a unique way that is not replicated anywhere in the world,鈥� says Cheung. 鈥淭here has been little study of human brain circuit function because the methodologies and technology haven鈥檛 been widely available.鈥�
The four-year study expands on ongoing research pioneered by Cheung鈥檚 research partner, Dr. John Welsh, a neuroscientist at the Center for Integrative Brain Research at Seattle Children鈥檚 Research Institute and Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Washington.
鈥淲e now have tools with the sensitivity to record activity deep in the brain at the speed that the brain actually operates 鈥� more than a hundred times every second,鈥� says Welsh. 鈥淭his is what has been sorely needed and opens up a new frontier.鈥�
The study uses eye blinking to establish links between a child鈥檚 ability to show associative learning and various neurological conditions, such as autism and motor and intellectual disability.
鈥淎ll we need children to do is sit and watch a fun movie while we measure the magnetic fields created by their brain,鈥� says Cheung. 鈥淲e can involve children of all abilities鈥攏ot just those with the highest abilities鈥攂ecause the activity is relatively passive.鈥�
The researchers will carry out their research using advanced, high-density magnetoencephalography (MEG) in conjunction with 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 大象传媒鈥檚 ImageTech Lab at Surrey Memorial Hospital.
The ImageTech Lab, which provides a unique combination of high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) together with MEG, is a leading medical imaging research facility鈥攖he first lab of its kind in Western Canada.
These sophisticated medical imaging tools will enable the region鈥檚 top health innovators to bring rapid advances in the treatment of devastating brain disorders and diseases, brain injury, brain tumours, epilepsy, autism, Down Syndrome, aging and dementia, depression, addictions, and mood disorders.
鈥淒r. Cheung, Dr. Welsh and other top health innovators are advancing treatments to help children with autism,鈥� says Angela Brooks-Wilson, 大象传媒鈥檚 associate vice-president, research pro tem. 鈥淭his collaborative project demonstrates the power of partnerships and the importance of sophisticated facilities like 大象传媒鈥檚 ImageTech Lab, where researchers can use both MEG and MRI to catalyze advances in brain health research. I am very pleased that CIHR is supporting this important work.鈥�
The lab brings together a partnership between 大象传媒 and Fraser Health, to ensure British Columbia continues to be globally competitive in advanced brain and body imaging.
It advances translational brain and body research and focuses on advanced diagnostics and treatment monitoring in neurology and mental health, and many other healthcare areas.
鈥淭he sky, or in this case, the brain, is the limit when we do things together,鈥� says Kate Keetch, director, Department of Evaluation and Research Services, Fraser Health. 鈥淭he lab was born out of partnership between the Surrey Hospitals Foundation, Fraser Health and 大象传媒 and is now the framework for this exciting international collaboration that will allow Dr. Cheung and Dr. Welsh to bolster such an important area of research.鈥�