Development of advanced signal processing and source imaging methods for superparamagnetic relaxometry.

Superparamagnetic relaxometry (SPMR) is a highly sensitive technique for the in vivo detection of tumor cells and may improve early stage detection of cancers. SPMR employs superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION). After a brief magnetizing pulse is used to align the SPION, SPMR measures the time decay of SPION using super-conducting quantum interference device (SQUID) sensors.

Invited commentary - at the interface: where bioengineers are shaping the future of medicine - biomed 2009.

When we look at the significant trends in medicine today, we see bioengineering as a central player in nearly all of them, driving fundamental improvements in both the clinical and economic aspects of healthcare. What an interesting time to be in this dynamic field, as biology becomes more of a quantitative science and the physical sciences increasingly inform the study of living organisms. A relative youngster, bioengineering exists at the interface of the classical disciplines of science - chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics - and in rubbing shoulders with these "old masters" in research labs and R&D departments around the world, it is sparking new ideas that are shaping the future of healthcare.