Georgetown Institute for Cognitive and Computational Sciences
Abstract
The Institute's major focus areas are: (1) brain injury and plasticity; (2) higher auditory processing and language; (3) computational neuroscience; and (4) drug discovery. Research in humans uses functional brain imaging and cognitive psychology to examine how the human brain deals with complex sounds, particularly those relating to speech. These studies address not only normal language processing but also disorders of speech/language, including developmental and acquired dyslexia. Other investigators use tools from cellular/molecular neurobiology and systems neuroscience to study plasticity after acute or chronic brain injury, or in relation to development. This includes design of novel pharmacological strategies to limit brain damage and to enhance cognitive function after injury or neurodegeneration. Brain magnetic resonance techniques (including functional imaging) are used, employing a high field (7T) Nina research magnet or a human 1.5T magnet, to clarify mechanisms of tissue damage, plasticity and the response to targeted treatments. Computational methods serve to integrate these multidisciplinary research efforts. Molecular modeling is also used to study protein folding and to enhance drug discovery. Ultimately, the goal of is to address important clinical problems including, language disorders, traumatic and ischemic brain injury, and Alzheimer's Disease.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA373779
Entities
People
- Alan I. Faden
Organizations
- Georgetown University