Research
Investigators using the SLEIC have wide-ranging research questions. The projects below highlight some of the research being carried out in the Center.
Penn State Bioengineering and Huck Institute Magnetic Resonance Center
Brain-Skull Interactions in Developing Mice
Joan Richtsmeier, Ph.D., Professor of Anthropology, Principal Investigator
Email: jta10@psu.edu
Web: http://www.getahead.psu.edu/
The long-range goals of my laboratory include: quantitative assessment of morphological change in biological organisms through ontogenetic and evolutionary time, determination of the developmental basis of differences in morphology, and determination of the evolutionary (genetic and epigenetic) basis of these developmental patterns. I have a special interest in the translation of genetic information into complex phenotypes, and study development by combining image data from humans and from animal models created to mimic human disease with statistical analysis of 3D morphological structure.
Work produced by the lab over the past ten years has focused primarily on
goal #1 using various quantitative studies of postnatal craniofacial growth
in nonhuman primates and comparative studies of craniofacial morphology and
growth in humans affected by craniofacial anomalies. We have devised
protocols for the collection and analysis of three dimensional landmark data
from 3D images (computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance (MR)
images) of biological organisms. The lab is currently addressing the second
and third of these long-range goals. We have broadened our approach to
include consideration of murine models of human craniofacial syndromes with
known genetic mutations. The power of our approach is that we used
phenotypic data from microCT and microMR images of developing mice to
localize morphological differences between wild type and mutant animals, and
use these results to guide our comparisons of the molecular basis of
developmental differences between embryonic wild type and mutant mice. In
turn, these results can be enhanced by studying homologous structures and
processes in humans carrying the orthologous mutation.
Human Electrophysiological Facility
ADHD and Dopamine in the Developing Brain
Lisa Gatzke-Kopp, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, Principal Investigator
Email: lmk18@psu.edu
Web: http://cbdlab.hhdev.psu.edu
Several theories of the neurobiological pathophysiology of ADHD have been proposed, tested, and supported through neuroimaging, genetics, and psychophysiological research studies. However, a consensus regarding the underlying neural deficits remains unachieved. The failure to consistently identify a single neurobiological deficit may result from two key factors that are overlooked in current research designs. Firstly, etiological heterogeneity may underlie the diagnostic construct of ADHD suggesting that no one theory is primary. Secondly, neurobiological deficits may interact with contextual variables such as family environment in the manifestation of the disorder. A careful characterization of each of these factors has the potential to contribute significantly to our understanding of treatment for this disorder, and inform mechanisms of both treatment response and non-response. This project will assess children who are currently medicated for ADHD both on and off their medication. Children will be assessed with EEG, ERP, cardiac, and electrodermal psychophysiological measures to understand more about heterogeneity in the underlying deficits of these children, and how these deficits interact with family dynamics.
Human Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Cognitive Neuroscience of Aging
Nancy Dennis, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology, Principal
Investigator
Email: nad12@psu.edu
Web: http://canlab.psych.psu.edu
My research focuses on elucidating the cognitive and neural mechanisms that support learning and memory in young and older adults. More specifically I employ behavioral and neuroimaging methods, including functional MRI (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), to explore the interaction of cognitive and neural processes involved in episodic memory (including item, relational and false memory). With respect to aging, my research examines age-related decreases as well as increases in neural activity associated with successful memory performance. While both types of activations are common in cognitive aging, the neural mechanisms underlying theses processes are the subject of much debate. A better understanding of these changes is critical to developing a comprehensive model of cognitive and neural development across the lifespan - and key to distinguishing normal from pathological aging. Other lines of research include both implicit learning and genetic neuroimaging.
Last modified: 08/24/09 | Contact Webmaster
