Research Labs: Edward Damrose
(a). High-speed Laryngeal Imaging and Image-based Analysis in Clinical Applications
(PI; National Science Foundation; 7/1/04 ~ 6/30/07) This project focuses on developing methods for processing high-speed digital images of the larynx, to analyze vocal fold vibrations and to implement an internet-based, comprehensive, comparative database of dynamic characteristics of vocal folds that correlate with laryngeal health conditions. The database will be used for on-line clinical diagnoses and training voice researchers, clinicians and medical students. Overall, these studies aim to advance our understanding of vocal mechanism, establish clinical protocols for the differential diagnosis of voice disorders in diseases including laryngeal cancer and Parkinson's and during the aging process, and eventually lead to the emergence of high-speed digital imaging (HSDI) devices for real-time endoscopic examination of patients and analyses at remote sites using telemedicine communication;
(b). Virtual Laryngoscope
This project focuses on the development of virtual endoscope for the 3D visualization based on the 2D CT or/and MRI images. The ultimate goal of these studies is to merge endoscopic (e.g., HSDI) and virtual endoscopic examinations of patients for better clinical diagnoses and treatments.
Image Analysis as a Tool in Functional and Disease Proteomics (In collaboration with University of Wisconsin Medical School) (Co-PI; National Institutes of Health; “Molecular basis of cardiac muscle contraction, 12/1/02 ~ 11/30/06)
We focus on the use of biophotonics and image analysis technologies to perform functional analyses on single proteomic complexes, in particular the calcium regulated actomyosin thin filament. These complexes are also studied using mutant forms of actin, tropomyosin, troponin I that are found in certain human hypertrophic cardiomyopathies HCM). The goal of this research is to understand how changes in a single amino acid within this proteome complex lead to heart disease. These studies involve characterizing nanoscale motions of thin filament proteins using FRET image microscopy, fluorescence polarization image microscopy and digital signal analysis and image processing techniques. Image analysis of proximity and molecular orientation in proteins within single thin filament function is used to reveal the molecular basis of the heart disease.
Nanoscale Biomolecular Devices, Signal Analysis of Nanoscale Protein Dynamics (PI, NIH R21 proposal pending review)
Protein motors and micro-engineered biosurfaces are being used in creative ways to prepare new smart surfaces and molecular nanodevices having novel capabilities, e.g., molecule sorting. These studies take advantage of advanced biophotonic techniques and caged proteins to fabricate patterns and tracks for nanoscale operations e.g. movement and separation of molecular cargo.
Medical Robots:
The research objectives are to develop advanced simulation and execution technologies for image-guided medical manipulations such as robot assisted surgery. We currently focus on the control of dexterous robot arms and the development of immersive computer interface using haptic displays and virtual reality techniques.
