\ Researchers \ Jason Wilson receives Brain Star award
In recognition of his article entitled “Quantitative measurement of neurodegeneration in an ALS-PDC model using MR microscopy”, University of British Columbia PhD fellow Jason Wilson has been awarded the Brain Star awarded by the Institute of Neurosciences Mental Health and Addiction of CIHR http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/8585.html.
The article, published in 2004 by Elsevier, a multiple-media publisher of scientific information, describes a study which demonstrates how Magnetic Resonance Microscopy (MRM) can be applied to mouse models of progressive neurodegenerative diseases. Magnetic Resonance Microscopy works under the same principle of traditional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, however, is modified for smaller biological systems. Higher magnetic field strengths—combined with larger gradients—permits imaging of mice and rats with optimal spatial resolution.°
Another important feature of the study is a description of the effects that cycad toxins induce in mice—information which can lead to future studies in neurodegenerative research. MRM volume analysis indicated early stage brain and spinal cord morphology changes that corresponded with behavioural changes.
Wilson explains that refinement of the techniques examined in the study may be applied to “repeated in vivo scanning in animal models of progressive neurological disease, and potential MR screening for pre-clinical stages or features of human neurological disorders based on CNS structures shown to be affected in the paper”.
As an undergraduate student Wilson, who has recently handed in his PhD thesis at the University of British Columbia, began working with Dr. Chris Shaw—a faculty member at the University of British Columbia in the Ophthalmology and Neurological Sciences Departments. Wilson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biopsychology at the University of British Columbia in 2001, and then enrolled in the PhD of Science program in Neuroscience, also at UBC. He has been involved in extensive research of ALS-parkinsonism dementia complex, a progressive neurological disorder—originally described in Guam—that can display certain characteristics of ALS, Alzheimer’s, and parkinsonism.
The objective of the Brain Star award is to acknowledge the outstanding research of Canadian graduate students, residents, and post-doctoral fellows in the different fields that the Institute of Neurosciences Mental Health and Addiction of CIHR covers.
|
|
Click Here For A Printer Friendly Version Of This Page
Jason Wilson receives Brain Star award
 |
|
Jason Wilson |
The article, published in 2004 by Elsevier, a multiple-media publisher of scientific information, describes a study which demonstrates how Magnetic Resonance Microscopy (MRM) can be applied to mouse models of progressive neurodegenerative diseases. Magnetic Resonance Microscopy works under the same principle of traditional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, however, is modified for smaller biological systems. Higher magnetic field strengths—combined with larger gradients—permits imaging of mice and rats with optimal spatial resolution.°
Another important feature of the study is a description of the effects that cycad toxins induce in mice—information which can lead to future studies in neurodegenerative research. MRM volume analysis indicated early stage brain and spinal cord morphology changes that corresponded with behavioural changes.
Wilson explains that refinement of the techniques examined in the study may be applied to “repeated in vivo scanning in animal models of progressive neurological disease, and potential MR screening for pre-clinical stages or features of human neurological disorders based on CNS structures shown to be affected in the paper”.
As an undergraduate student Wilson, who has recently handed in his PhD thesis at the University of British Columbia, began working with Dr. Chris Shaw—a faculty member at the University of British Columbia in the Ophthalmology and Neurological Sciences Departments. Wilson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biopsychology at the University of British Columbia in 2001, and then enrolled in the PhD of Science program in Neuroscience, also at UBC. He has been involved in extensive research of ALS-parkinsonism dementia complex, a progressive neurological disorder—originally described in Guam—that can display certain characteristics of ALS, Alzheimer’s, and parkinsonism.
The objective of the Brain Star award is to acknowledge the outstanding research of Canadian graduate students, residents, and post-doctoral fellows in the different fields that the Institute of Neurosciences Mental Health and Addiction of CIHR covers.
| Posted On: Monday, June 06, 2005 Modified: Friday, June 24, 2005 Category: Researchers Posted By: |