Reviewed by Lexie CornerNov 5 2024
A new research lab at the University of Central Florida (UCF) aims to advance light-based technologies for disease prevention, detection, and treatment. This collaboration between the College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL) and the College of Medicine will foster interdisciplinary research and innovation.
Image Credit: bububamShutterstock.com
Scientists celebrated the launch of the new lab on Friday at the Burnett Biomedical Sciences building in Lake Nona.
In this new UCF research facility, scientists and physicians will work together to develop light-based technologies that can effectively prevent, detect, and treat diseases.
The event was attended by Bruce Tromberg, the director of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering at the National Institutes of Health. He leads a nationwide research group focused on creating biomedical imaging and treatment technologies to improve health outcomes.
These technologies will allow physicians to see how the body works in real-time with noninvasive procedures for patients. Working together, we can create advanced technologies that will provide better care to all of us.
Deborah German, Vice President and Dean, University of Central Florida
The lab's position in Medical City will give biophotonics researchers the chance to gain knowledge from physicians, according to David Hagan, dean of CREOL.
No matter how smart you are in biophotonics, you do not know what is happening inside the body. The real trick is getting doctors talking to scientists, When that happens we can push the boundaries of what light can do for health.
Deborah German, Vice President and Dean, University of Central Florida
Experts in biophotonics and medicine at UCF are now engaged in several significant research initiatives, such as:
- Improving Epidural Positioning with Sound and Light
In over 30,000 cases annually, doctors rely on their fingers to administer epidurals in a mother’s spine, a method that can lead to temporary paralysis or more severe complications. Researchers at UCF have developed a novel tool that enhances the precision of anesthesia delivery by utilizing light and sound. This innovative approach uses sound waves that bounce off the spinal cord to identify the correct location, while a small light inside the needle illuminates the area, producing images with ten times the resolution of traditional ultrasound.
- Real-Time Detection of Blood Clots during Cardiac Surgery
UCF researchers have created fiberoptic sensors capable of detecting blood clots in real time during cardiac surgery. Currently, surgeons must perform a chemical blood test to monitor clotting while a patient is on a heart-lung machine, which takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete. The new fiber-optic sensor allows for instant detection of clotting blood cells, enabling doctors to take prompt action and reduce the risk of stroke.
Additionally, UCF undergraduate, graduate, medical, resident, and fellow students will have the opportunity to do research in the new lab; because of its position in Medical City, UCF doctors and scientists will have the opportunity to collaborate on multidisciplinary research projects with Nemours Children's Health, UCF Lake Nona Hospital, UCF Lake Nona Cancer Center, and the Orlando VA Medical Center.
According to Tromberg, the NIH's recognition of the potential of bioengineering and artificial intelligence to enhance healthcare makes the UCF relationship ideal.
“This is the right time for you. Traditionally, many medical schools have been reluctant to form partnerships like these because doctors and engineers do not speak the same language. But Dean German is coming to you guys,” German said, pointing to CREOL faculty and founders who attended the celebration.
The epidural study's chief investigator, Guifang Li, says he is thrilled to apply his findings to advance health.
Health is personal, and technology is all about looking for solutions. If the doctors can help us understand the need, we can work together to solve it.
Deborah German, Vice President and Dean, University of Central Florida
Sudip Gurung, one of his postdoctoral scientists, attended the event and performed a laser ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the collaboration. Additionally, he will be refining the epidural technique in the new lab.
German said, “Fiberoptics has changed the world. It is exciting to be creating applications that can change the world for healthcare.”