Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute
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Journey deep into the furthest reaches of the brain, and see what the forefront of neuroimaging looks like.
Scientists at the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute are using advanced scanning and imaging techniques to unlock the mysteries of neurologic disorders and to see the brain as it’s never been seen before.
With powerful microscopes, they are exploring the brain’s vast, complex network of interconnected circuits and are able to isolate its 86 billion cells to witness actual thoughts occurring in real time and to observe other brain activity, such as pinpointing the exact source of a seizure.
Watch our video “NeuroSphere” to see how researchers are mapping the brain’s intricate landscape in 3D and making discoveries that are leading to new and better therapies for patients.
Best viewed on the latest versions of Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox. 3D features on iPhone require the Vimeo app.
NeuroSphere contributors and team (1.2 MB PDF)
With international leaders in science, including Nobel laureates, teams affiliated with UT Southwestern’s Brain Institute are leading advances in research. This includes transformative programs in neurodegeneration, neuromodulation, neurorepair, and neuro-oncology. By building on new imaging technologies, research breakthroughs related to the mechanisms of brain disease, and the ability to analyze massive amounts of data, we are advancing discoveries in these areas and many others.
Dr. Davenport, Assistant Professor of Radiology, is the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute’s “MEG” scientist, which is a short way of saying she’s an expert in magnetoencephalography, a neuroimaging technique for mapping brain activity from the magnetic fields it produces. Her research interests include subconcussive head impact exposure in contact sports and imaging of traumatic brain injury.
Dr. Ramirez, Assistant Professor of Neurology, manages the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute’s Whole Brain Microscopy Facility, which uses specialized, automated microscopes to visualize the brain in 3D. She is an expert at performing high-throughput, high-resolution imaging using state-of-the-art two-photon tomography systems.
The Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute leverages UT Southwestern’s basic research and clinical expertise to provide the nation’s best and most comprehensive brain care.
"We have pictures. MRI pictures…brains in great detail, and it’s not just informative. It’s not just educational. It’s also beautiful to look at and one of our challenges has been how to share that with the world and with our ourselves and today we’re working on using a large screen projection which is called group virtual reality. It’s another way of letting people experience what we see in a bigger way."
The NeuroSphere video was a featured attraction at the Science Saturday event. The guests sat inside a planetarium-style dome to experience the voyage in an immersive setting.
We’re one of the world’s top academic medical centers, with a unique legacy of innovation in patient care and scientific discovery.
One of the world's premier neurological treatment centers and certified as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission.
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The Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute brings together transformative research and patient-centered care.
