Provide the technology and expertise necessary to generate and advance medical imaging R&D
BIOTIC is a multi-site imaging centre that is embedded in the two leading research and teaching hospitals in Nova Scotia. Our multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams – providing expertise in all facets of imaging research and development – collaborate on commercial development projects with industry partners, as well as research and development projects with a number of institutions.
Developing medical devices; cellular/molecular imaging for drug discovery, drug development and delivery evaluation; developing imaging techniques, fMRI to improve diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases; access and develop experimental models; gather and analyze imaging data; test and validate technologies; plan and conduct imaging-related research initiatives
- Healthcare and social services
- Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
Specialized labs and equipment
| Name of specialized lab | Name of equipment | Description of function |
|---|---|---|
| BIOTIC – Clinical Lab | Clinical Magnetoencephalogram (MEG) | A 306-channel, whole-head MEG. The high temporal resolution of this system makes it preferable to other imaging techniques in observing spatial neural activity in real time, and its non-invasive, patient friendly nature makes it ideal for working with pediatric populations. |
| 3-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) | The 3T clinical MRI scanner provides detailed anatomic, functional and spectroscopic images. It is fully outfitted for studies of the brain, heart, abdomen, and pelvis. | |
| Clinical Electroencephalogram (EEG) | The 128-channel EEG system records the electrical activity of the brain with high spatial accuracy. Its active electrode technology reduces set-up time and maximizes participants’ comfort. | |
| BIOTIC – Pre-clinical (animal) Lab | Preclinical Positron Emission Tomography/Computerized Tomography (PET/CT) | PET/CT allows for simultaneous evaluation of molecular, cellular, anatomical and metabolic information. |
| Preclinical Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) | SPECT produces high-resolution 3-D images of radio-labelled molecules. It works with the PET/CT system to detect a wide range of biomarkers. | |
| Preclinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) | MRI renders exquisitely detailed images of soft tissues, including iron-oxide labelled cells and molecules. MRI anatomical images can also be overlaid with separate SPECT and PET images. | |
| Preclinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with Optional PET | With the PET insert, both MRI and PET data (functional and anatomical) can be obtained rapidly and simultaneously for more comprehensive, accurate data. | |
| Biological Level 2 Lab | A fully equipped biological level 2 lab and an onsite animal care facility with quarantine area provide researchers with a rare opportunity to conduct longitudinal studies in a wide range of animal models. |
Private and public sector research partners
- Dalhousie University
- Nova Scotia Health Authority
- IWK Health Centre
- Mount Saint Vincent University
- Saint Mary’s University
Additional information
| Title | URL |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Biomedical Translational Imaging Centre (BIOTIC) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gykbY_8mHL0 |
| Canadian research group inks MRI R&D deal with GE | http://www.auntminnie.com/index.aspx?sec=sup&sub=mri&pag=dis&ItemID=111924 |
| BioNova - BIOTIC | http://bionova.ca/members/biotic/ |