Latest technologies from Vanderbilt University

Perceptive catheter system for thrombus retrieval and aneurysm embolization

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:26:16 GMT

Summary During catheter-based treatments, surgeons are hampered by the limited sensory awareness of microcatheters as they move through small, fragile, and mobile blood vessels. This lack of perception leads to a success rate of 25% in achieving complete reperfusion in a single attempt. The proposed system provides quantitative feedback on distance to the thrombus and catheter-thrombus engagement to improve operation success rates. Addressed Need In the United States, 795,000 people per year have a new or recurring stroke, and about 87% of strokes are caused by blocked/clogged vessels [UTMB]....

MRED: Monte Carlo Radiation Effects Simulator for Microelectronics Reliability

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:07:43 GMT

Summary MRED is a Python-based, Monte Carlo radiation simulation software platform that models energy deposition and charge generation in microelectronic devices due to ionizing radiation. It enables product teams to predict single-event effects, total ionizing dose, and displacement damage before hardware testing. Companies use MRED to de-risk designs, prioritize mitigations, and cut test cost and time. Addressed Need Radiation-induced failures in advanced semiconductors range from non-destructive erroneous system responses to catastrophic failure, affect...

A Novel, Human-Derived HER2 Antibody for Cancer Therapeutics and Diagnostics

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 11:59:58 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have discovered a human-derived antibody that recognizes HER2, a protein overexpressed in various cancers. These antibodies offer potential novel cancer therapeutics and diagnostic tools with improved immunological compatibility compared to humanized antibody alternatives. Addressed Need The HER2 protein is overexpressed in 20-30% of breast cancers and is a well-established treatment target. While HER2-targeted antibodies have proven effective cancer therapies, those currently on the market are derived from non-human sources and routinely elicit adverse immune...

Engineering the Sodium/Iodide Symporter for Enhanced Targeted Internal Radiotherapy

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:47:06 GMT

Summary The Sodium/Iodide Symporter (NIS) is a critical protein that facilitates the active transport of iodide into thyroid cells, essential for synthesizing thyroid hormones. Recent advancements in engineering NIS variants aim to selectively transport oxyanions, offering innovative therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment in the thyroid and elsewhere while minimizing side effects. Addressed Need This technology addresses a critical limitation in current cancer therapies by enabling targeted delivery of radioactive treatments to tumors while protecting healthy thyroid tissue. This technol...

EndoPBR: Photorealistic Endoscopic Surgery Simulation

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:50:03 GMT

SUMMARY EndoPBR generates photorealistic surgical simulation data using advanced neural rendering and physically-based lighting models. This technology enables synthetic dataset creation for training 3D vision algorithms in medical applications, particularly endoscopic procedures. Medical device companies and surgical robotics developers benefit from unlimited training data without concerns of patient privacy or expensive data collection. ADDRESSED NEED Current synthetic image generation methods lack photorealism and 3D consistency required for training effective surgical AI systems. This ...

Novel Curcumin Derivatives with Enhanced Anti-Inflammatory Properties

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:57:32 GMT

SUMMARY This technology comprises two novel curcumin derivatives - compounds D3 and D4 - with potent anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds effectively inhibit a key inflammatory signaling pathway, offering enhanced therapeutic potential over traditional curcumin. The technology provides improved bioactive compounds for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications targeting inflammatory conditions. ADDRESSED NEED Current anti-inflammatory compounds face several limitations in treating chronic inflammation, including bioavailability, potency, and therapeutic effectiveness. Traditiona...

AI-Driven Molecular Skin Analysis & Personalized Skincare

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:24:19 GMT

SUMMARY Vanderbilt researchers have developed a novel skin assessment platform that analyzes the molecular composition of skin using mass spectrometry and employs artificial intelligence to match individuals with optimal skincare products. This technology delivers scientifically informed, user-specific insights and product guidance, enabling consumers to make evidence-based decisions about their skincare routines. ADDRESSED NEED Consumers struggle to select appropriate skincare products from countless options that may not address their specific skin needs. Traditional meth...

Genetic engineering approach for enhancing recombinant protein production by mammalian cells

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:20:35 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a novel approach to enhance recombinant protein production in mammalian cell culture systems through metabolic engineering. By overexpressing specific metabolic proteins in these cells, this technology achieves higher monoclonal antibody titers and increased cell-specific productivity compared to conventional expression systems. Addressed Need Biopharmaceutical manufacturing faces significant challenges, with high operational costs, limited recombinant protein production efficiency, and suboptimal yields affecting drug affordability and availabi...

Oxygen-Tolerant Probiotic Therapy for Intestinal Inflammatory Diseases

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 11:04:51 GMT

Summary Anaerobic bacteria used in current probiotic compositions cannot tolerate the oxygen stress found in the gut during inflammation, reducing their effectiveness in restoring a healthy gut microbiome. Vanderbilt researchers have engineered Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, an obligate anaerobe, to endure oxygen-rich conditions in the gut. This advancement enhances the survival and functionality of these probiotics during inflammation, leading to a healthier gut microbiome through the restoration of beneficial commensal bacteria. By preserving the integrity of the microbiota, this engineered ...

Bedside Disposable Endoscope

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:09:14 GMT

Summary The Disposable Endoscope with Intrinsic Pneumatic Actuation (DEIPA) is a self-contained device intended for rapid diagnosis of the UGI tract. It consists of a user interface with a continuum manipulator architecture, steerable tip using parallel bellow actuators, and flexible multi channels catheter. The DEIPA is low-cost (< 80 GBP), intuitive to manipulate, and successful at achieving large viewing angles (βo-max = -17°, αo ranging from 0° to 360°) which are crucial for effective examination of the upper GI tract. DEIPA holds promise for non-t...

Human antibodies targeting a novel flu epitope for use as a universal flu vaccine and treatment

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:06:20 GMT

Technology Summary: Scientists at Vanderbilt have discovered a new class of human antibodies specific to a novel target for the detection, prevention, and treatment of influenza A viruses (IAV). Using structural characterization, they have identified a novel antigenic site on the hemagglutin (HA) head domain that may be targeted by multiple antibodies simultaneously in a non-competitive manner. They found that administration of these antibodies against an otherwise lethal challenge with viruses of H1N1, H3N2, H5N1, or H7N9 subtypes confers protection when used as prophylaxis or therapy agains...

Steerable Needles: A Better Turning Radius with Less Tissue Damage

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:05:46 GMT

Summary A team of Vanderbilt engineers and surgeons have developed a new steerable needle that can make needle based biopsy and therapy delivery more accurate. A novel flexure-based tip design provides enhanced steerability while simultaneously minimizing tissue damage. The present device is useful for almost any needle-based procedure including biopsy, thermal ablation, brachytherapy, and drug delivery. Addressed Clinical Need Millions of procedures are performed every year with needles that includes biopsy, thermal ablation, brachytherapy, and drug delivery, among others. As an example, ...

Zero-waste, pre-portioned sunscreen capsule

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 12:56:46 GMT

Summary Although sunscreen effectively mitigates the incidence of skin cancer, most people do not apply enough for adequate protection. Vanderbilt has developed an innovative sunscreen delivery system that promotes the proper usage of sunscreen while also using zero-waste packaging. Addressed Need Most people apply less than 50% of the sunscreen necessary for adequate UV protection, resulting in burns and other skin damage and an increased risk of skin cancer later in life. Current labeling trends recommending proper sunscreen usage have not proven effective in addressing these is...

Targeting PD-1H to treat Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 12:56:25 GMT

Summary Despite the success of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) like anti-PD-1 in treating other cancers, these therapeutics have not been demonstrated to effectively treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Vanderbilt researchers have identified PD-1H as a potential target for treating AML, opening the door for effective therapy using an ICI molecule. Addressed Need AML accounts for 33% of all adult leukemias [ACS]. While there are multiple treatments for AML currently in the clinic, the 5-year relative survival rate for patients 20 years and older is only 28% [NCI], indicating the ne...

New Optical Tweezers for Rapid Control of Nanoscale Objects

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 12:55:55 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a novel technology for trapping and dynamically manipulating nanoscale objects. Control over miniature objects like proteins can aid in applications such as biological sensing, single molecule analysis, and size-based sorting of nanoscale objects. Addressed Need Optical tweezers have emerged as a powerful tool for the non-invasive trapping and manipulation of colloidal articles and biological cells; however, existing devices use high intensity laser power to trap nanoscale objects, which can cause photo-toxicity and thermal s...

Continuum Robots with Equilibrium Modulation (CREM)

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 12:55:02 GMT

Summary The A.R.M.A. Laboratory of Vanderbilt University has developed a novel continuum robot design enabling multi-scale motion at the macro and micro scale. The unique design allows miniaturization with minimal added cost thereby potentially giving rise to a new generation of surgical robots capable of both macro-motion for surgical intervention and micro-scale motion for cellular-level imaging or intervention. Micro-motion is achieved through a unique method for altering the equilibrium pose of the robot via material re-distribution throughout the length of the robot. This process usher...

Transoral Lung Access Device

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 12:54:43 GMT

Summary Transoral lung access is preferable to traditional needle based access due to the lower risk of lung collapse. However present bronchoscope-based devices enable access to only a small portion of the lung. The present device is a robotic image-guided bronchoscope to navigate the airway under closed-loop control to the target. IT is designed to provide transoral access to any location in the lung, particularly the hard-to-reach peripheral regions. Addressed Need American Cancer Society estimate of new lung cancer cases in 2016: >224,000 Health Care cost estimate >$ 12 Billio...

Cutting-Edge Brain Age Estimation from Diffusion MRI

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 16:23:59 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a novel brain age estimation framework that leverages diffusion MRI to capture microstructural changes associated with aging. This innovative approach outperforms conventional T1-weighted MRI methods by focusing specifically on subtle brain changes, providing a powerful tool for early detection of neurodegenerative diseases and enabling earlier clinical intervention. Addressed Need Current brain age estimation techniques primarily rely on T1-weighted MRI, which fails to capture crucial microstructuralchanges that occur&n...

MRI COIL ARRAY ENABLING FOCUSED ULTRASOUND OUTSIDE THE MRI ENVIRONMENT

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 16:23:26 GMT

Summary This technology pairs a novel coil design with patient-specific stereotactic frames for precise delivery of focused ultrasound (FUS) during neuromodulation therapies. This innovative methodology enables patients to receive therapy while outside the MR environment and significantly increases the precision of noninvasive neuromodulation techniques, making treatments more accessible and effective. Addressed Need Neuromodulation involves stimulating specific brain regions to modify neurological activities, often to treat patients with severe chronic co...

Multimodal Data Collection System to Predict Imminent Precursors of Problematic Behaviors and Associated App for Displaying Data

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 07:06:21 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers led by Dr. Nilanjan Sarkar have invented a multimodal data capture system that gathers multi-sensory data from children and their ground-truth affective states to build a machine learning model yielding individualized profiles in accordance to the interview-informed synthesized contingency analysis (IISCA). Addressed Need Over two thirds of children with ASD display frequent problematic behaviors (PB) that may entail physical harm to self or others, non-compliance, property destruction, and elopement. Although common in ASD, these behaviors are not limited...

Breakthrough Photonic Technology Enables Novel Data Transmission Capabilities

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:48:15 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt University researchers have developed groundbreaking photonic technology that can manipulate light in unprecedented ways, opening up new opportunities for high-speed, high-capacity data transmission. By rotating a dielectric bar within a photonic crystal unit cell, and arraying these unit cells along one direction to form an optical waveguide, the researchers create a new hybrid longitudinally and transverse polarized guided mode in which, for the first time, a longitudinally polarized field component in an optical waveguide supports net energy transport. The ne...

Functional, Physiologically Accurate Resistance Blood Vessels for Drug and Artificial Tissue Development

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 09:01:57 GMT

Summary Physiologically accurate models of resistance blood vessels that are capable of vasoconstriction and vasodilation offer an excellent in vitro platform for testing drugs for vascular diseases involving smooth muscle cells. Vanderbilt researchers have developed methods to fabricate resistance blood vessels that make such a biomimetic platform feasible and could even be used to develop artificial organs. Addressed Need Improper functioning of resistance blood vessels plays a major role in vascular diseases like hypertension and vasculitis, as well as in diseases like Alzheimer&rsq...

Wireless soft robots for in vivo mucus property measurement

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 14:05:45 GMT

Summary The material properties of mucus, such as viscosity and pH, provide information about the well-being of various organ systems. To improve accessibility to mucus sites from throughout the body and increase the validity of measurements, Vanderbilt researchers have developed a wireless millimeter-scale soft robot for direct and accurate mucus sensing throughout the body. Addressed Need Collection and analysis of mucus is helpful in determining if a disease or infection is present. Flexible endoscopes and capsule endoscope robots can be used to reach internal cavities and evaluate the muc...

Optical tweezers for nanoscale-biological materials

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 13:47:56 GMT

Summary Optical tweezers have been used to study microscopic biological materials, but their application on the nanoscale has thus far been limited by technical constraints. To enable their use on the nanoscale, researchers at Vanderbilt have developed an optical trapping platform for targeting these nanoscale materials without destroying the sample. Addressed Need Biologists use optical tweezers to trap and manipulate biological specimens for studying the internal processes of cells, including molecular motors and intracellular trafficking. One of the major hurdles in the developme...

Novel Growth Factor for Liver Regeneration

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 18:55:42 GMT

Summary Liver transplantation is the only cure for end-stage liver disease, but donor organ scarcity limits access for millions. Split liver transplantation could help bridge this gap, but the regeneration of partial organs is critical to broadly implementing this approach. Vanderbilt University researchers have identified a growth factor that promotes liver growth that could be used to improve patient outcomes and increase accessibility to liver transplantation. Addressed Need End-stage liver disease affects nearly 5 million Americans (CDC), yet only about 10,000 liver transplants ...

Silicone Airway Stent with Wirelessly Actuated Cilia for Mucus Removal

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 07:54:35 GMT

Summary Various widespread diseases associated with airway constriction can be combatted using airway stents. However, such stents are either prone to clogging themselves or tend to invade neighboring tissue. Vanderbilt engineers have developed a technology that avoids both of these pitfalls by combining the use of tissue-friendly silicone with active cilia for mucus clearing. Addressed Need Diseases like lung cancer, COPD, and cystic fibrosis affect over 500 million people worldwide and together cost the global economy trillions of dollars per year. A debilitating symptom common to these di...

Head Motion Correction with Soft Pressure Pad for MRI Scans

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 10:46:24 GMT

Addressed Need Head motion remains a major challenge during medical imaging scans, particularly in pediatric and older patient populations. Motion impacts diagnostic image quality, costing both time and money in the clinical setting. In research, motion artifacts can introduce errors into quantitative measurements, especially in high-resolution or low signal-to-noise scans. While current solutions rely on careful patient positioning or specialized cameras, this technology is an inexpensive alternative that improves ease-of-use and patient comfort. Technology Description The system is based ...

Quantitative rapid diagnostic platform using porous silicon on paper

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 08:53:32 GMT

Summary While medical diagnostics today typically tradeoff between speed and sensitivity, Vanderbilt researchers have developed a diagnostic platform that is both rapid and quantitative by coupling lateral flow paper-based tests with color changing porous silicon membranes. This platform can be adapted to detect a wide range of biological and chemical targets, enabling the rapid measurement of various biomarkers. Addressed Need Rapid testing is critical to improving disease diagnosis and monitoring therapeutic treatment plans. However, current rapid diagnostic tests are often not sensitive ...

ML-powered software for planning sleep apnea surgery

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 10:35:06 GMT

Addressed Need OSA is a common sleep disorder associated with daytime fatigue and cardiovascular disease. As many as half of OSA patients reject first-line treatments that use positive airway pressure, necessitating surgical intervention instead. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE), the current standard for selecting OSA surgical procedures, is expensive, subjective, and requires sedation that only approximates natural sleep. Meanwhile, HRM is an inexpensive procedure used commonly to assess other disorders of the upper airway, but the labor cost of manually interpreting the large amount of d...

Eyeglass Lenses with On-Demand Focus Adjustment for Eyesight Disorders

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 08:49:35 GMT

Summary Current corrective lenses targeted at myopia, hyperopia, and other eyesight disorders are static and incapable of adapting to changes in vision and the intended viewing target of wearers. Vanderbilt engineers have developed a liquid lens with tunable focus that can be precisely adjusted to match 99% of prescriptions, can provide enhanced vision over a broad range of distances, and can automatically adjust its focus based on the user’s intended target. Addressed Need Over 2 billion people worldwide suffer from myopia, hyperopia, and other focus-related eyesight conditions. Unfo...

Genetically Modified Cell Line for Enhanced Viral Vector Manufacturing

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 07:22:39 GMT

Summary Recent FDA approvals have spurred the demand for viral vector products, prompting the need for more efficient bioproduction methods. In this context, Vanderbilt researchers have engineered a new cell line with significantly enhanced viral production capabilities compared to traditional cell lines. This innovation is expected to lead to substantial cost savings in viral vector production and improved viral products, two key advantages in the industry. Addressed Need Viral vector manufacturing is a multibillion-dollar industry, with an expansion of manufacturing facilitie...

Oral administration of levocarnitine for treating Sjögren’s Syndrome-associated dry eye

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 11:31:36 GMT

Summary Sjögren’s syndrome (SjS) is a debilitating autoimmune disease, causing dry eye symptoms ranging from discomfort to dysfunction. Vanderbilt researchers have identified levocarnitine as a novel potential therapeutic for treating this condition. Addressed Need SjS is one of the most prevalent autoimmune diseases, affecting the exocrine glands that secrete tears and saliva. SjS can cause debilitating dry eye symptoms that significantly impact the patients’ quality of life, including ocular discomfort and inflammation, visual dysfunction, and corneal perforation....

Anti-inflammatory microparticles for sustained ocular drug delivery

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 10:21:37 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed an injectable drug delivery vehicle using microparticles (MPs) that can deliver cargos in the eye for at least 6 weeks while also playing a therapeutic role in reducing inflammation. Addressed Need Targeted delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs could be used to treat many ocular diseases, including glaucoma and traumatic optic neuropathy, two blindness-inducing conditions associated with inflammation of the optic nerve. While therapeutics can be effectively delivered to this tissue by injection, the rapid clearance of free drugs from the intravitr...

Lickometer: Instrument for measuring rodent drinking behavior

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 17:38:14 GMT

Background Research on rodent drinking behavior has provided insight into drivers of thirst, circadian rhythms, anhedonia, and drug and ethanol consumption. Traditional methods of recording fluid intake involve weighing bottles, which is cumbersome and lacks temporal resolution. In addition, recent designs are limited by the use of infrared photobeam sensors and incompatibility with prolonged undisturbed use in ventilated home cages. Beam-break sensors lack accuracy for bout microstructure analysis and are prone to damage from rodents. Thus, there is a need for an instrument that is easier to...

Use of Fluid Shear Stress Treatment to Enhance T Cell Activation

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 14:31:51 GMT

Summary Researchers at Vanderbilt University have generated a technique to enhance immune cell activation by exposing cells to mechanical force while culturing. Proof-of-concept data indicate that activating immune cells with this method may improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce manufacturing expenses. Addressed Need In recent years, adoptive CAR T cell therapies have emerged as an effective treatment for cancer and potentially other cardiometabolic and autoimmune diseases. However, existing methods for activating T cells by ex vivo culturing are expensive and inefficient, reducin...

Low-Frequency Strain Energy Harvester

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:28:29 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a novel energy-harvesting device capable of efficient electrochemical strain energy harvesting at frequencies as low as 0.01 Hz. The device enables the harvesting of energy produced from low frequencies associated with human motion such as walking and sitting. Addressed Need Conventional ambient mechanical energy harvesting systems are capable of capturing energy at high frequencies (> 10 Hz) produced by piezoelectric and triboelectric materials. However, their performance drastically drops at low frequencies (< 5 Hz), which is where virtu...

Wolbachia genetic tools for population control of harmful insects

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 11:01:24 GMT

Summary Scientists at Vanderbilt University have engineered transgenic methods for controlling harmful insects such as mosquitoes. These tools may be applied to reduce the populations of insects that transmit infectious diseases to humans or are harmful to food crops and livestock. Addressed Need Vector-borne diseases such as Chikungunya, Dengue, and Malaria account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases, leading to more than 700,000 deaths and 400,000,000 cases annually [WHO]. Meanwhile, as much as 40% of global crop production is lost to pests every year, with inva...

Targeted light-based therapy for acne

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 13:51:22 GMT

Summary Acne is the most common skin condition, with direct treatment costs totaling over $3 billion each year. Vanderbilt researchers have developed a photodynamic therapy (PDT) for effectively and specifically treating Propionibacterium acnes infections, enabling improved clinical support for patients. Addressed Need More than 90% of the global population suffer from acne during their lifetime, leading to billions of dollars in clinical costs and immeasurable emotional and psychological distress. This technology provides a powerful new therapy for treating this common condit...

Protein that protects probiotics from desiccation, leading to improved gut colonization

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 09:27:42 GMT

Summary Probiotic supplements undergo significant water loss before consumption, killing many of their bacteria and rendering them less effective. Vanderbilt researchers have discovered a protein that protects against damage caused by desiccation and shown that this molecular shield can be added to probiotics to help them survive and colonize the gut. This platform technology can be broadly incorporated into new or existing supplements to make them more efficacious and even improve costs and distribution. Addressed Need Substantial amounts of water are removed during the production and distr...

Targeted photodynamic therapy for S. aureus infections

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 11:49:54 GMT

Summary Staphylococcus aureus is among the most prevalent pathogens in skin and soft tissue infections, with treatments becoming increasingly compromised by the emergence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Vanderbilt researchers have developed a combination photodynamic therapy (PDT) for targeting MRSA infections in skin that is not only effective but also highly specific and less susceptible to resistance, adding a much needed therapy to our quickly depleting arsenal against this pathogen. Addressed Need Skin and soft tissue infections, often caused by S. aureus, account for over 14 ...

Method and System for Automating Oxygen Monitoring and Dosing in Real Time for Patient on Oxygen Therapy

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 14:30:11 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researcher, Lisa Lancaster, MD, has developed a novel device to monitor the flow as well as adjust actively the levels of oxygen that pass to a patient suffering from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis or other causes of hypoxic lung disease. Standing out of the pack, this device ensures that patients exerting themselves are given enough oxygen while actively reducing the dosage, to prevent further damage, when the same patient is resting. Addressed Need Individuals suffering from hypoxic lung diseases generally see a specialist for determining a proper dosage of oxygen. ...

An Ergothioneine PET Radioligand for Imaging Oxidative Stress in Alzheimer’s Disease

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 14:18:31 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers lead by Professor Wellington Pham, PhD, have developed a novel ergothioneine (ERGO) PET radioligand for imaging oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s disease. Addressed Need Alzheimer’s disease (AD) afflicts more than six million Americans alone every day, with no cure in sight. Ergothioneine however, is an amino acid characteristic of certain mushrooms and could hold the answer to earlier Alzheimer’s detection. The researchers demonstrate that this probe can detect the threshold, but elevated level of oxidative stress in a mouse model of AD compar...

Enhanced Optical Imaging for the Treatment of Retinal Disease

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 10:18:19 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a system for enhancing the imaging capabilities of optical coherence tomography (OCT), a tool commonly used to monitor and treat patients with retinal disease. The image resolution of OCT, however, is intrinsically limited. Ideally, a contrast agent could be used to highlight specific parts of the retina within the image, but dye alone is largely ineffective because of the way OCT generates the image. Photothermal heating solves this problem by creating local zones of tissue expansion which can be distinctly detected by OCT. Photothermal-OCT is sa...

No-touch Breast Implant Placement Device

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 18:21:13 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a breast implant placement device that minimizes potential contaminants during surgery by requiring no contact between the surgeon and the implant during insertion. Addressed Need Infection following breast implant surgery is the leading cause of morbidity for the procedure. Infection can also lead to capsular contracture in which abnormal scarring of the tissues surrounding the implant leads to pain and deformation of the implant. Unfortunately, existing insertion technologies still require contact with surgeon gloved hands during insertion...

Surgical Guide for Intraoral Vertical Ramus Osteotomy

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 13:08:56 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a novel surgical guide for intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) that helps to preserve the proximal segment medial pterygoid attachment and avoid injury to the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle during the procedure. Addressed Need While IVRO techniques are useful in many different surgical applications, there are unfortunately three main problems that can arise from a poorly positioned osteotomy cut: open bite, long-term neurosensory deficit of the inferior alveolar nerve, and active bleeding of vasculatures of the medial and/or poster...

One-Step Hydrosilylation for Click Chemistry Compatible Surfaces

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 14:43:01 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt inventors have developed a one-step hydrosilylation synthesis of azide surfaces for the preparation of click chemistry compatible substrates. In this process, an organic azide is formed in a single step on a hydrogen-terminated silicon support, yielding a surface that is ready to undergo click reactions as desired. Simple, efficient, and versatile, click chemistry is widely used and is particularly useful for biosensing applications. A click reaction can be utilized to attach a molecular or biological probe for point-of-care diagnostics and chemical screening. Overview The a...

PIQASO: A rigid phantom for comprehensive end-to-end evaluation of online adaptive radiotherapy systems

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 16:56:38 GMT

Summary There is currently no radiotherapy phantom capable of quantitatively assessing all components of an online adaptive radiotherapy (online ART) system in a comprehensive end-to-end test. Represented here is a novel, rigid phantom that can simultaneously evaluate an online ART system’s image acquisition, deformable image registration, contour propagation, plan re-optimization, dose calculation, and beam delivery in a single process that is robust, quantitative, and convenient. Addressed Need Online ART promotes the integrity of the radiation dose distribution delivered to th...

Mechanism for Efficient Stiffness Modulation of Springs

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 14:56:39 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a novel variable stiffness spring mechanism that affords low energy cost stiffness adaptation. Essentially, the energy cost of changing the stiffness of the spring is rendered independent of the energy stored in the spring. Addressed Need Compared to constant stiffness springs, variable stiffness springs offer a range of new capabilities such as stable robot-environment interaction, safer human-robot interaction, efficient resonance-based robot actuation, as well as human performance augmentation. Due to the inherent coupling between the stiffnes...

Bioresorbable RF Coils for Post-Surgical Monitoring by MRI

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 13:26:13 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed bioresorbable RF coils to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for use in post-surgical monitoring. Addressed Need Current MRI techniques have difficulty imaging certain biomarkers and characteristics internal to the body due to an insufficient signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). One approach to mitigate this barrier is embedding a small MRI coil into the body, increasing the SNR in that specific location. However, using this technique requires the device to either be surgically removed or left within the body, both of which can outweigh t...

Innovative Mobile App that Facilitates Self-Management in Diabetes

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 13:17:25 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed the MyDay mobile app (iOS/Android) designed to collect, integrate, and provide feedback on a wide range of individual data relevant for diabetes self-management which allows flexible creation of data collection content, format, and timing. Addressed Need Young people with Type 1 Diabetes typically have a more difficult time managing their condition due to hormonal changes and competing demands such as school, work, and social situations. The MyDay app has demonstrated improvement in adolescent problem solving, self-management skills, and glycemic...

Nanoporous Atomically Thin Breathable Personal Protective Membranes

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 08:15:14 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed an atomically thin membrane with extremely high selectivity and permeability for use in personal protective equipment. Addressed Need With rising global health threats, there is a pertinent need for successful personal protective equipment (PPE). Within the last couple decades, the presence of airborne viruses, such as the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has increased. Further, chemical agents, particularly those encountered in military settings, endanger the safety of our service men and women. These ongoing threats require continued de...

Nanoporous Atomically Thin Graphene Membranes for Desalination & Nanofiltration

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 08:06:28 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed an atomically thin membrane with extremely high selectivity and permeability for use in desalination and nanofiltration applications. Addressed Need Water scarcity has emerged as a global problem, impacting almost a fifth of the world’s population, as salt water comprises a majority of the earth’s available water. To attack the problem of water purification and desalination, the industry is turning towards membrane technology, which can be 10 times more energy efficient than thermal desalination processes. Technology Description An ...

Thermoresponsive Printer Filament for Tissue Engineering

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 09:43:19 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a thermoresponsive filament material for use in 3D printing that can be readily dissolved via cooling. This material has use in a multitude of different applications. One potential application is lost-wax casting for tissue engineering. The present material enables the user to print an intricate vascular structure, embed the structure in an engineered tissue construct, and then dissolve the printed structure to create a hollow vascular network embedded within the tissue construct. Addressed Need When creating engineered tissue, a vascular network ...

Miniature Magnetorheological Brake Technology

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 13:31:45 GMT

Summary A team of Vanderbilt engineers have developed a miniature magnetorheological (MR) brake with a combination of high braking torque and a fast response time (see Fig. 1 for size). With potential applicability over a wide spectrum of applications, the device was initially developed with robotic and haptic applications in mind. Addressed Need Meeting the torque and response times demanded from MR Brakes within the confines of available space is challenging in currently available MR Brakes. This is especially true for robotics, where a smaller and lighter brake in each joint would lead to b...

Systems and Methods for Non-destructive Evaluation of Optical Material Properties and Surfaces

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 13:19:20 GMT

Summary A team of Vanderbilt researchers has developed a novel system and method for non-destructive characterization of compound lenses. The approach uses optical coherence tomography and reflectance confocal microscopy to fully characterize lens geometry and glass materials, enabling accurate modeling of compound lenses. Addressed Need When designing optical imaging systems, companies must take special care to balance lens aberrations in order to optimize the point-spread function (PSF) and minimize field distortions. Aberrations and distortions are a result of both lens geometry and gla...

Ultrasound Device for Underwater High Resolution Imaging in Turbid Water

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 10:56:20 GMT

SummaryA team of Vanderbilt researchers has developed a novel system for producing 3D, real-time, high-resolution visualization within arms reach of a diver. The system uses a custom ultrasound array and mirror system in conjunction with software and algorithms to overcome the limitations of existing systems, enabling the diver to see through turbid water in real-time.Addressed NeedDivers perform a broad range of tasks from routine inspections of underwater infrastructure and ship hulls to complex salvage/recovery operations and ships husbandry. Frequently, this work is done in turbid water wi...

Cooling-Triggered Self-Destructing Electronics

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 14:58:17 GMT

Technology DescriptionVanderbilt University researchers have developed self-destructing electrical conductors that dissolve and vanish below a certain critical temperature, which is achieved either by actively cooling the circuit or by removing a heat source.Addressed NeedWhat happens to electronics that have outlived their usefulness? Removing a circuit from its environment can be difficult, expensive, and dangerous. Simply leaving it in place adds to the growing problem of e-waste and can be a security risk for sensitive information. Transient electronics solve this problem by disappearing h...

Continuum Robots with Sensing Capabilities to Adapt Structure

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 08:22:06 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a continuum robot with the ability to adapt both its length and diameter of its segments. This could help expand the usability and effectiveness of continuum robots.Addressed NeedContinuum robots have high degrees of freedom which allow the arm to move freely. They are typically used within confined spaces that humans may not be able to reach with other methods. Continuum robots are designed with fixed parameters such as constant diameter and segment length. Previous developments have determined ways to allow the arm length of the robot to be adjus...

Vascular Restoration Therapy with Cell-Penetrating CRADD Protein

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 14:45:38 GMT

Addressed Need Vascular inflammation caused by metabolic, autoimmune, and microbial insults mediates cardiovascular diseases that include hypertension and atherosclerosis (heart attacks, strokes), systemic lupus, and giant cell arteritis. An estimated 35 million Americans have hypercholesterolemia, contributing to 500,000 deaths underlying heart attacks and strokes. In these diseases, metabolic, autoimmune, and microbial insults continually challenge blood and vascular cells by triggering signaling to the nucleus mediated by BCL10. Genetic ablation of BCL10 rescues animals from atheroscleros...

Prevention of Cytokine Induced Apoptosis In Intestinal Epithelial Cells By A Probiotic Bacterium

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 11:43:11 GMT

SummaryVanderbilt researchers have discovered a novel peptide, p40, derived from one of the best-studied probiotic bacteria in clinical trials, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). This peptide transactivates EGF receptor signaling in intestinal epithelial cells. As a consequence, p40 is capable of maintaining intestinal homeostasis by decreasing epithelial cell injury and inhibiting inflammatory responses in intestinal epithelial cells. Vanderbilt University Medical Center is seeking commercial partners to develop clinical application of p40 for preventing and treating intestinal inflammatory di...

Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) Nuclear Translocation Inhibitors for Preventing Fibrosis

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 11:09:02 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers Manuel Chiusa, Ambra Pozzi, Jack Hawiger, and Jozef Zienkiewicz have developed a new therapeutic approach to combat excess collagen production associated with fibrotic diseases. This approach aims to further understand and downregulate the expression of the tyrosine phosphorylated ribonucleoprotein Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) to control the production of collagen in patients that suffer from fibrotic diseases like diabetic neuropathy. Addressed Need Accumulation of too much collagen causes the development of fibrosis, which is a debilitating disease that can lea...

Real-Time Feedback for Positioning Electrode Arrays in Cochlear Implants

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 06:49:06 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have discovered a method of monitoring the placement of electrodes in cochlear implants (CIs) through the use of electrical impedance measurements. This technology offers real-time feedback on electrode positioning, which can be used to more accurately place electrodes during initial implantation, or better program the implants after they have been placed. These enhancements combine to give increased hearing quality to both new and existing CI patients. Addressed Need Cochlear implants have been shown to be most effective when implanted at a young age, as thi...

Palatoglossus Muscle Stimulation for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 12:19:08 GMT

Summary A Vanderbilt researcher has developed a device to stimulate the palatoglossus muscle in order to treat sleep apnea. This has the potential to treat patients who have failed to succeed with current sleep apnea treatments.Addressed NeedHypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) has been established as an effective form of treatment for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate positive airway pressure. HNS works by stiffening the tongue muscles to increase pharyngeal airway size. However, patients with significant retropalatal airway collapse are not candidates for HNS offered i...

pECHO: Easy to Use Smartphone App for Assisting in Transesophageal Echocardiography Exam

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 23 May 2019 11:30:54 GMT

Summary Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the heart. It provides more detail that a standard echocardiogram. Vanderbilt researchers have created a software that creates an easy to follow, step-by-step procedure for a transesophageal echocardiography exam.Addressed NeedThe pECHO application assists echocardiographers in performing a TEE exam. It creates a step-by-step procedure to follow to ensure the exam is performed safely and correctly. Each exam can be logged so that the user can review previous cases. The application ...

Improved Biomanufacturing Using Biological Clock Control for High Yield/Low Cost Bioproduct

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 08:39:01 GMT

Summary A team of researchers at Vanderbilt University has developed a method of manipulating the circadian clock of cyanobacteria. This biological manipulation is used to increase gene expression in target genes that produce biofuel and high-value bioproducts, such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics from precursor-expressing genes. Altering the circadian rhythm in the bacteria provides an improved approach to bioproduct development on a large scale using sunlight as a zero–cost energy solution. Addressed Need Rising industry interest in bioproducts like biopharmaceuticals and cosmet...

System for Transporting, Sorting, and Assembling Nanoscale Objects

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 10:13:00 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a new system for transporting and sorting nanoscale and mesoscale particles and biomolecules. The system is able to achieve size-based sorting and captures/arranges the particles within a few seconds, which is significantly faster than the existing method of diffusion-based transport. Applications of the Technology There are numerous applications for this technology including 1) on-chip concentration of biological molecules such as viruses and bacteria for detection at low concentrations; 2) size-based sorting of colloids or biological particle...

Advanced Ultrasound Imaging for Kidney Stone Detection

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 13:31:44 GMT

Summary The standard for kidney stone detection is through the use of computed tomography (CT). However, CT is expensive and delivers harmful ionizing radiation into the body. Ultrasound would be the ideal way to detect kidney stones except that it performs poorly in detecting and accurately sizing stones. Vanderbilt researchers inventors have developed a technique that is able to separate hard, mineralized material (i.e kidney stones) from soft tissue in a way that is both cheaper and safer than CT and performs better than conventional ultrasound imaging. Addressed Need Conventional ultra...

Advanced Method for Data Corrections in Organ Deformation

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 14:28:33 GMT

SummaryA group of Vanderbilt University researchers have developed a solution that will correct for the mis-registration of image data in image-guided surgery. The solution uses software to correct for any mis-registration that is caused by the presence of intraoperative deformations. This invention helps to improve the performance and capabilities of image-guided surgery.Technology DescriptionPrior to the operation, a pre-operative image of the organ of surgical/interventional interest is acquired. Prior to surgery a computational model of the organ of interest is generated. During the surger...

Electrochemically Actuated Optical Modulator

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 12:22:00 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt University researchers have developed a novel approach for creating dynamic, tunable reflective color displays using an electrochemical modulator. The technology can be implemented into devices requiring low power reflective color displays, such as smart watches and e-readers, and is adaptable for spectral control across a broad spectrum of frequencies from the visible to the far infrared. This technology provides a low power, tunable approach for modulating the optical properties of a material. Addressed Need This technology addresses: (1) the high power consumption of ...

Actively Reconfigurable Metasurfaces for Dynamic Optical Components

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 12:30:50 GMT

Summary Phase change materials (PCMs) are a fascinating class of materials that can change certain material properties (e.g., absorbance or reflectivity) upon the application of a stimulus. Researchers at Vanderbilt University have used a PCM to create a novel metamaterial that can be reconfigured for use in a wide range of potential optical and integrated photonic applications from the infrared to terahertz spectral domain. Addressed Need Current nanophotonic and metamaterial elements are characterized by high absorption loss and short propagation lengths, which result in low throughput a...

Surface Active Ionic Liquid with Activity in Aqueous and Non-aqueous Media

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 09:40:10 GMT

Summary Surface active ionic liquids (SAILs) exhibit extraordinary properties both as solvents and superior surfactants. However, existing SAILs have limitations that prevent their full potential from being realized. To address this, researchers at Vanderbilt have synthesized a promising chiral SAIL that can be used as a detergent or stabilizing agent at all kinds of interfaces and is made from an inexpensive and biodegradable starting material. Addressed Need Although there are numerous benefits associated with SAILs, their utility is hindered by several factors including their limited a...

Long-Lasting and Self-Sustaining Cell Therapy System

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 14 May 2018 07:13:55 GMT

Summary Current T-cell therapies rely on the successful transplant and survival of infused, therapeutic cells in a patient. The efficacy of a cell therapy is limited by the extent of cell survival after adoptive cell transfer (ACT) and by the stability of the engraftment. Poor engraftment of transplanted cells results in loss of therapeutic efficacy, increasing the financial and physical burdens borne by patients. Similarly, patients who suffer from chronic disorders requiring repeated administration of therapeutic proteins, such as EPO, have few treatment options: many require multiple inje...

Selective Size Imaging using Filters via Diffusion Times (SSIFT)

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 03 May 2018 14:30:02 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a novel MRI-based method for fast, robust, and accurate imaging of biological tissue by selecting a specific cell size range (such as tumors) without the need for a contrast agent. One exciting application of this method is imaging brain metastases (BM) that are difficult to differentiate from other brain abnormalities such as radionecrosis when using existing approaches. Addressed Need During radiation therapy, effective planning is needed in order to ensure the patient does not receive unnecessary radiation during treatment. One critical comp...

Automated Inflatable Binder to Counter the Effects of Orthostatic Hypotension

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 09:47:39 GMT

Summary Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a chronic, debilitating illness that can cause instability and dizziness upon standing, leading to increased risk of injury from a fall. OH affects millions of people every year, especially the elderly, hindering movement and physical activity and, in the worst cases, causing syncope or death. OH and impaired orthostatic tolerance are caused by gravitationally induced pooling with decreased venous return. By decreasing abdominal venous pooling, OH can be decreased and upright blood pressure and orthostatic tolerance can be improved. Unf...

Portfolio of Continuum Robotic Systems, Algorithms, and Software Technologies from the Robotics Lab of Professor Nabil Simaan

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 13:48:03 GMT

SummaryProfessor Simaan and his lab have years of experiencing working collaboratively with commercial entities of various sizes. His research is focused on advanced robotics, mechanism design, control, and telemanipulation for medical applications. His projects have led the way in advancing several robotics technologies for medical applications including high dexterity, snake-like robots for surgery, steerable electrode arrays for cochlear implant surgery, robotics for single port access surgery, and natural orifice surgery.TechnologiesDexterous Robotic Wrist and Gripper for Extreme Precision...

Compliant Insertion, Motion, and Force Control of Continuum Robots

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 13:37:44 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a framework for compliant insertion with hybrid motion and force control of continuum robots. This technology expands the capabilities of robotic surgery by providing continuum robots with the ability to autonomously discern, locate, and react to contact along their length and calculate forces at the tip, thus enabling quick and safe deployment of snake-like robots into deep anatomical passages or unknown environments. Addressed Need Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) and natural orifice procedures are limited by the absence of tools that...

High-Performance Anti-Fouling, Anti-Wetting Membrane for Wastewater Distillation

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 11:15:06 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a novel membrane for membrane distillation that is resistant to both fouling and wetting and can be used to treat highly contaminated saline wastewater. Addressed Need Water scarcity and environmental regulations have created a need for low cost treatment methods for contaminated wastewaters such as those found in the fracking, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Existing membranes are prone to fouling and/or wetting and struggle to adequately treat wastewater. As such, an expensive and time-consuming pretreatment step is required wh...

Self-Decoupled RF Coils for Optimized Magnetic Resonance Imaging

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 14:36:31 GMT

Summary Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most important and versatile tools in the repertoire of diagnostics and medical imaging. Vanderbilt researchers have developed a novel, geometry independent, self-decoupling radiofrequency (RF) coil design that will allow MRI machines to generate images at a faster rate and with greater image quality. Addressed Need While RF arrays with a large number of independent elements are desirable for a higher signal-to-noise ratio and faster imaging, significant electromagnetic (EM) coupling interference occurs between elements as the number o...

Speculum-Free Diagnostic Probe for Optical Assessment of the Cervix

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 08:16:08 GMT

SummaryA new approach for obtaining less invasive optical measurements of the cervix has been developed that does not require the use of a speculum exam. This technology can visualize the cervix in vivo to find unique biomarkers that indicate various conditions such as preterm labor, cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV), and dysplasia.Addressed NeedOptical information collection from the cervix in vivo can show changes in the cervix during pregnancy, as well as other conditions such as cancer, HPV, and dysplasiaThis technology eliminates the use of a speculum to measure optical signals from the ...

Adaptive PCR: A PCR control system to overcome challenging conditions

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 11:54:59 GMT

Applications By directly monitoring the hybridization of fluorescent-labeled L-DNA mimics of the template DNA strands and primers, it is possible to improve the efficiency of PCR in challenging conditions. This approach eliminates some of the sample preparation and trial and error that would otherwise be required for difficult sample types such as urine or other samples that contain high levels of salts. In addition, this approach enables on-demand PCR in most any environment, such as: At the point-of-care in a physician’s office or pharmacy for medical usesAt home f...

NMR Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange (SABRE) in Water

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 11:53:20 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a method to perform the Parahydrogen Induced Polarization (PHIP) based method of Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange (SABRE) in aqueous media. This allows the resulting hyperpolarized molecules to be used for in vivo applications. Addressed Need Hyperpolarization of nuclear spin ensembles has increased NMR and MRI sensitivities >10,000. This has enabled the detection of metabolism in biological tissue through the imaging of injected hyperpolarized biomolecules. The two main hyperpolarization techniques available are Dynamic Nuclea...

Methods for Quick and Safe Deep Access into Mammalian Anatomy

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 11:52:39 GMT

SummaryThis technology uses a novel continuum robot that provides a steerable channel to enable safe surgical access to the anatomy of a patient. This robotic device has a wide range of clinical application and is a significant advance from the rigid tools currently used in minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedures.Challenges for Minimally Invasive Surgical ToolsThe rigidity of most instruments used in minimally invasive procedure limits their ability to access certain parts of the body and adapt to the natural movement of various tissue structures that occurs within the body during an oper...

New antibiotics against new targets in multi-drug resistant microorganisms

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 09 May 2017 15:13:44 GMT

Technology Description Developing antibiotics with new targets will be essential in combatting multiple drug resistant pathogens. In 2016 both our collaborators and subsequently Nobel prize winning crystalographer Ada Yonath revealed the surprising discovery that a class of natural product antibiotics known as orthosomycins act on a novel site in the bacterial ribosome, distinct from all antibiotics in the clinic today. Everninomicins have highly potent broad-spectrum activity against Gram positive strains, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococ...

Porous Materials with Active Sites Created via In-Pore Synthesis

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 14:24:13 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have synthesized porous adsorbent materials for the capture of toxic industrial chemicals. These adsorbent materials have finely dispersed reactive sites that allow for higher adsorption capacities than existing materials. They can be used in filters for the military, homeland security, first responders, and for a wide range of industrial and commercial catalysts to capture toxic gases such as ammonia and sulfur dioxide. Addressed Need Existing porous materials are unable to fully adsorb all toxic industrial chemicals because they are impregnated with insolub...

A Novel Organs-On-Chip Platform

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 13:22:30 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have created a new multi-organs-on-chip platform that comprises Perfusion Control systems, MicroFormulators, and MicroClinical Analyzers connected via fluidic networks. The real-time combination of multiple different solutions to create customized perfusion media and the analysis of the effluents from each well are both controlled by the intelligent use of a computer-operated system of pumps and valves. This permits, for the first time, a compact, low-cost system for creating a time-dependent drug dosage profile in a tissue system inside each well. Addressed N...

An Imaging Approach to Detect Parathyroid Gland Health During Endocrine Surgery

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 12:35:01 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have designed a laser speckle imaging device to detect parathyroid gland viability during endocrine surgery, during which otherwise healthy parathyroid glands are prone to devascularization leading to long-term hypocalcemia. Currently, the surgeon must use his or her best judgement regarding the health of the parathyroid gland. This technology removes the guess work from the decision and provides a real-time assessment of the parathyroid viability. Unique Features Speckle contrast images help identify devascularized parathyroid glands visually Prov...

Dual Interlocked Logic (DIL) Circuit

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 12:25:27 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a novel combinatorial logic circuit that prevents the propagation of signal glitches such as those caused by radiation-induced transients. The interlocked-feedback circuit accomplishes this without the loss of any speed. The circuit is designed for robustness in both combinatorial and sequential logic applications. Addressed Need This circuit was originally developed to protect logic circuits from the harmful effects of upsets caused by single event radiation effects. However, due to its robustness, the circuit should be ben...

Non-Invasive Bacterial Identification for Acute Otitis Media using Raman Spectroscopy

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 07:54:50 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed an optical-based method for real-time characterization of middle ear fluid in order to diagnose acute otitis media, also knows as a middle ear infection. The present technique allows for quick detection and identification of bacteria and can also be applied to other biological fluids in vivo. Addressed Need Otitis media is the leading cause of physician visits and medication prescription for children, with over 350 million cases per year. The diagnosis of otitis media is currently subjective and symptom-dependent. Furthermore, since cur...

Modular and Stackable Microfluidic Devices

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 14:08:03 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have invented a modular microfluidic bioreactor that can be layered and stacked to create complex organ-on-chip systems that mimic the behavior of human organ systems such as the neurovascular unit. This modular device can also be assembled from separate, functioning biolayers, and at the end of a study disassembled for examination of individual cellular components. Addressed Need Organs-on-chips have great potential for use with drug discovery and the study of drug and toxin effects on organ function. However, serious limitations exist for current in...

Organ-on-a-Chip System

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 10:20:41 GMT

SummaryVanderbilt researchers have developed a group of microfluidic organ-on-chip devices that include perfusion controllers, microclinical analyzers, microformulators, and integrated microfluidic measurement chips. Together, these devices can measure and control multiple organ-on-chip systems in order to model the multi-organ physiology of humans. Addressed NeedOrgans-on-chips are a promising technique to explore drug efficacy, toxicity, and organ-organ interactions at both the chemical and biological level without the need for animal testing. This has the potential to greatly reduce th...

Low-cost, Normally Closed Microfluidic Valve

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 09:57:22 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a normally closed valve that is able to provide selective movement of small fluid quantities in a microfluidic device. The present microfluidic valve can be actuated using a simple rotating drivehead and mechanical support, greatly simplifying the valve design. Addressed Need Microfluidics is a rapidly growing field that enables exploration of both chemistry and biology using small sample quantities. However, the small sample size used in microfluidic devices places strict requirements on their accuracy and efficacy. Existing valves have seriou...

A Method to Obtain Uniform Radio Frequency Fields in the Body for High Field MRI

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 14:43:05 GMT

Summary Researchers at Vanderbilt have created a new approach to produce uniform radio frequency (RF) fields in the body during high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Existing high field MRI machines create non-uniform RF fields that lead to non-uniform sensitivity in the generated images, also referred to as “hot” and “cold” spots. These local variations interfere with the tissue contrast of the images that radiologists depend upon to make accurate diagnoses. By generating uniform RF fields in the body, this technology provides the benefits of high field MRI wi...

Latent Image-Derived Features for Prognostic Modeling

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 14:25:53 GMT

SummaryResearchers at Vanderbilt have developed a system to estimate prognostic metrics such as the length of a hospital stay, recovery status at discharge, and overall health at discharge, using only baseline imaging and clinical information gathered early in the hospital admission process. This system can assist with medical group operations and planning, it can help to educate families and patients regarding prognosis, and can be used to automatically stage patients for clinical trials.Addressed NeedBy coupling automated image segmentation with clinical admission data, the system can help r...

3D Junction Bipolar Membranes: More Efficient and Reliable Electrodialysis

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 11:57:02 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a bipolar interface with unique 3-D morphology to allow the use of higher current passage and salt concentrations during filtration, without the risk of membrane degradation. The membrane’s value as a durable and effective tool for industrial scale electrodialysis separations exceeds that of current commercial membranes due to its longevity and resistance to demanding operating conditions. Addressed Need Typical bipolar membranes perform more effectively with larger surface areas. Current membrane technology utilizes 2D planar ...

Inexpensive Disposable Hydro-Jet Capsule Robot for Gastric Cancer Screening in Low-Income Countries

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 25 May 2016 10:23:30 GMT

Summary Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. While screening programs have had a tremendous impact on reducing mortality, the majority of cases occur in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Typically, screening for gastric and esophageal cancer is performed using a flexible endoscope; however, endoscopy resources for these settings are traditionally limited. With the development of an inexpensive, disposable system by Vanderbilt researchers, gastroscopy and colonoscopy can be facilitated in areas hampered by a lack of access to the appropriate means. &nb...

Real-time Detection of Position and Orientation of Wireless Endoscopy Capsule using Magnetic coupling

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 20 May 2016 08:50:19 GMT

SummaryVanderbilt researchers have developed a new system to detect the position, orientation, and pressure exerted on surrounding tissues of a wireless capsule endoscopy device. Magnetic coupling is one of the few physical phenomena capable of transmitting actuation forces across a physical barrier. Magnetic manipulation has the potential to make surgery less invasive, by allowing untethered miniature devices to enter the body through natural orifices or tiny incisions, and then maneuver with minimal disruption to healthy tissue. In order to accomplish this goal, the pose (p...

Image Guidance System for Breast Cancer Surgery

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 14:57:50 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed an image guidance system that aims to reduce the revision rate for breast conserving surgeries through the use of intraoperative tumor location. The platform integrates MRI imaging, optical tracking, tracked ultrasound, and patient specific biomechanical models to provide a superior tumor localization end result.Addressed NeedCurrent reoperation rates for breast cancer surgeries average 20-40% due to the difficulty of determining tumor borders during surgery. This invention addresses that exact need by making it easier to locate the boundaries of t...

Trackerless Image-Guidance Using a Surgical Microscope

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 12:39:42 GMT

Summary Researchers at Vanderbilt have developed a new image-guided, trackerless surgical microscope system to be used in soft tissue surgeries. The current method is to use a surgical microscope along with an image-guided system. This new design eliminates the need for a separate image-guidance system; the entire guidance environment can be realized within the microscope environment. Addressed Need As of now, special coordination is required to ensure that all surgical tools are seen by the camera as well as the scope. This approach simplifies the surgical imaging process by conducting al...

Endonasal Surgical Robot for Sinus and Neurosurgery

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 08:28:33 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt engineers have developed a robotic system for performing sinus and neurosurgery through the nose. This provides a less invasive way to access surgical sites in the sinuses and near the middle of the patient's head, leading to faster recovery times. The robot is modular and sterilizable with detachable cartridge-based instruments. Each instrument is a concentric tube robot, which is a needle-sized tool that can bend and elongate. The system delivers four of these instruments through a single nostril. Addressed Need Current tools are typically straight a...

Non-Invasive Skin Cancer Detection using Raman Spectroscopy-OCT System (Portfolio)

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 10:23:14 GMT

SummaryVanderbilt University researchers have designed a system for non-invasive discrimination between normal and cancerous skin lesions. The system combines the depth-resolving capabilities of OCT technique with Raman Spectroscopy’s specificity of molecular chemistry. By linking both imagining techniques into a single detector arm, the complexity, cost, and size of previously reported RS-OCT instruments have been significantly improved. The combined instrument is capable of acquiring data sets that allow for more thorough assessment of a sample than existing optical techniques.Backgrou...

Breast Tumor Margin Detection System Using Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 09:35:37 GMT

SummaryVanderbilt University researchers have developed a technology that uses spatially offset Raman spectroscopy to obtain depth-resolved information from the margins of tumors. This helps to determine positive or negative tumor margins in applications such as breast lumpectomy, and the technology is currently being investigated for breast cancer margin detection.Addressed NeedBreast conserving surgery currently relies on standard histopathology to examine surgical margins, forcing a large percentage of women to later undergo a second tumor removal surgery when it is discovered that the surg...

Accurate Gamma‐Ray Spectroscope for Compositional Analysis of Celestial Bodies

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 08:43:10 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt and Fisk University researchers have developed a new type of gamma ray spectroscope (GRS) that overcomes the limitations of current systems. This type of GRS can be used to accurately determine the subsurface chemical composition of celestial bodies in the solar system. Addressed Need Some of the asteroids in the solar system are easy to access and they may be potential targets for mining and exploration. Gamma-ray spectroscopy is commonly used to determine the composition of the surface of planets and asteroids but the instruments currently in use suffer from a ...

Flexible Instrument with Pre-curved Elements for Surgical Tools

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 11:44:10 GMT

SummaryVanderbilt researchers have developed a novel system for allowing surgical instruments to navigate around tighter corners and access difficult-to-reach areas in the body. This system uses pre-curved elastic elements added on to the existing instrument. Current surgical instruments are manufactured in a straight-line configuration, which means they must bend in order to reach around obstructions in surgery. By adding pre-curved sections, some of the bending is already accomplished, allowing the instrument to bend around tighter corners.Addressed NeedCurrent surgical instruments cannot re...

Miniature Optical Coherence Tomography Probe for Real-time Monitoring of Surgery

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 09:23:22 GMT

SummaryVanderbilt researchers have designed a forward scanning miniature intraoperative Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) probe that can be used for diagnostic purposes and real-time monitoring of surgery within small spaces, such as endoscopic surgery, intraocular surgery, and other microsurgery. PurposeThis OCT probe can be used to guide surgeries, including guiding an incising laser, in very small spaces. OCT technology has had a profound effect on imagining and diagnosis in many medical fields, including ophthalmology, gastroenterology, urology, and oncology. However, there ex...

Synthesis of 1-13C-Phosphoenolpyruvate-d2 for Parahydrogen Induced Polarization

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 14:48:37 GMT

IntelliCane: Instrumented cane for diagnosis and evaluation of gait behavior in individuals with mobility issues.

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 14:23:27 GMT

IntelliCaneTM: An Instrumented cane for the objective evaluation of gait characteristics in individuals with mobility issues. Addressed Need Physical therapists perform functional gait assessments to monitor the progress of rehabilitation therapy for individuals with mobility issues. A significant component of this assessment is the assignment of subjective scores based on observation of the individual while performing a series of mobility tasks. The disadvantages of this approach are: low degree of intra-rater and inter-rater consistency non-objective measures of timing and cane ...

Higher Accuracy Image-Guidance in Surgery

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 12:24:29 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt engineers have designed and built a device that improves the accuracy of image-guidance systems (IGS) during surgery. The device creates a custom, non-slip fit over the head and provides a rigid platform for attaching optical tracking markers to the patient, which is a critical component of image-guided neurosurgical procedures. The device can be used to improve the accuracy of IGS in other areas of the anatomy as well. Addressed Need During image-guided neurosurgery, an optical marker is attached to the patient’s head in order to track the position and orien...

Coordinated Control for Arm Prosthesis

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 08:02:30 GMT

Summary Researchers at Vanderbilt have created a novel control of an (myoelectric) arm prosthesis consisting of at least an elbow joint with the possibility of an additional single or multi-axis wrist joint. Background In conventional prostheses each joint is typically controlled irrespective of the other joints in the arm Configuration of each joint in the myoelectric prosthetic arm is usually controlled in a sequential manner until arm is configured in a desired posture Users are commonly interested in following a given path instead of achieving a given final position ...

Upper Extremity Assistance Device

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 08:02:02 GMT

Summary An assistive device for individuals with upper extremity neuromuscular deficit has been developed by researchers at Vanderbilt. This device is specifically designed for patients having hemiplegia following stroke, incomplete spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and other disabilities and conditions, who may have severe muscle weakness or inability to fully control an upper limb. In order to facilitate use of the upper limb, the patient can wear the device as a substitute for or a supplement to the patient’s volitional movement. Background At present, individuals su...

Heterogeneous catalysis of NMR Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange (SABRE)

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 06:18:03 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed heterogeneous catalysis and catalyst for the NMR Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange (SABRE) hyperpolarization process. Coupled with the researchers’ development of a method to perform SABRE in aqueous solutions, this discovery could allow fully biocompatible SABRE hyperpolarization processes in water with catalyst recycling. This would allow the production of pure aqueous contrast agents requiring only parahydrogen as a consumable. Addressed Need Hyperpolarization of nuclear spin ensembles has increased NMR and MRI sensitiviti...

Two Degrees-of-Freedom, Fluid Power Stepper Actuator Model

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 06:16:07 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a novel technology for use of a flexible fluidic actuator in MRI-guided surgical systems. This method eliminates the need for moving the patient out of the MRI machine, onto an operating table, and back in order to perform procedures. It is a safe, sterilized, and successful method to simplify MRI-guided surgical procedures. Addressed Need Robots employing compact, non-magnetic, low-noise actuators are needed for access to the patient in the case of MRI-guided surgical systems This technology can be sterilized and is intrinsically sa...

Model-based Compression Correction Framework for Ultrasound

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 14:38:46 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a system that corrects for compressional effects in ultrasound data during soft tissue imaging. The system uses tracking and digitization information to detect the pose of the ultrasound probe during imaging, and then couples this information with a biomechanical model of the tissue to correct compressional effects during intraoperative imaging. Addressed Need Existing ultrasound probes create inaccurate alignment and image distortion when pressed into soft tissue. As a result, intraoperative ultrasound images become incompatible with other int...

Novel Anti-Platelet Therapy for the Treatment of Thrombosis and Cerebrovascular Injury by Targeting PAR-4

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 12:57:35 GMT

Technology Description Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death in developed countries. Thromboembolism is a potentially serious cardiovascular condition, in which a blood clot forms (thrombosis) in an injured blood vessel in combination with a risk for embolism. Protease-activated receptors 1 and 4 (PAR1, PAR4) are found on human platelets and mediate normal clot formation. They are also involved in clotting central to thromboembolism and, as such, are desirable targets for the treatment of thrombosis. Vanderbilt researchers have recently developed novel PAR4 antago...

COX2 Probes for Multimodal Imaging

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 05 May 2015 14:21:08 GMT

Summary Inventors at Vanderbilt University have developed a novel chemical design and synthesis process for azulene-based COX2 contrast agents which can be used for molecular imaging, via a variety of imaging techniques. These COX2 probes can be utilized for numerous applications, including imaging cancers and inflammation caused by arthritis and cardiovascular diseases. The process for developing these COX2 contrast agents has been significantly improved through a convergent synthesis process which reduces the required steps to establish the COX2 precursors. Addressed Need Difficulty l...

Slc5a7 (choline transporter, CHT) BAC Transgenic Mouse

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 13:00:25 GMT

A Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) containing the mouse Slc5a7 gene was used to make transgenic mice. Mice show elevated choline transporter and acetylcholine levels and increased treadmill endurance. These mice permit the study of elevated presynaptic choline transporter protein in vivo, expressed solely in cholinergic neurons due to the BAC providing the natural, endogenous promoter for CHT expression. The mice demonstrate elevated choline transport activity and as a consequence elevated acetycholine production. They may permit an assessment of phenotypes that may emerge wit...

Scn1a Knockout Mouse Genetic Model of Epilepsy

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 10:41:17 GMT

This is a unique genetically modified strain of mice that models Dravet syndrome, a severe infant-onset epileptic encephalopathy. They are maintained on apure 129S6/SvEvTac genetic background to facilitate genetic studies. References:Miller AR, Hawkins NA, McCollom CE, Kearney JA (2014) Mapping genetic modifiers of survival in a mouse modelof Dravet syndrome. Genes Brain Behav. 13(2):163-72.Mistry AM, Thompson CH, Miller AR, Vanoye CG, George AL Jr, Kearney JA (2014) Strain- and age-dependenthippocampal neuron sodium currents correlate with epilepsy severity in Dravet syndrome mice.Neurob...

Small Molecule mGlu3 NAMs as Therapeutics for CNS Disorders

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 12:48:56 GMT

About VCNDDThe Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (VCNDD) has a mission to promote the translation of advances in basic science towards novel therapeutics. They have recruited faculty and staff with experience at over 10 different pharmaceutical companies to ensure a diverse set of approaches, techniques and philosophies to advancing compounds. Together they aim to de-risk drug discovery programs. About the TargetTargeting metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 (mGlu3) has been linked as a potential therapeutic to many neurological disorders and well as oncology through the use ...

mGlu3 NAMs as Therapeutics for Chemoresistant Tumors

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 12:11:51 GMT

Immortalized Mouse Epididymal Epithelial Cell Lines

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 07:16:18 GMT

SummaryThese cell lines are useful for studying the regulation of tissue-specific gene expression, and may also be used to identify epididymal-specific transcription factors involved in expression of specific proteins in the epididymis. Four cell lines are available, including PC1 from proximal caput, and the DC1, DC2, and DC3 cell lines from the distal caput. DescriptionThese cell lines were derived from primary cultures of epididymal cells from transgenic mice overexpressing temperature sensitive simian virus 40 large T-antigen gene. These cell lines show temperatur...

Stably-Transfected (HEK-293 cells) Human Serotonin Transporter (hSERT) Cell Line

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 08:33:38 GMT

HEK-293 cells stably-Transfected with Human Serotonin Transporter (hSERT) Protein kinase C activation regulates human serotonin transporters in HEK-293 cells via altered cell surface expression. Qian Y, Galli A, Ramamoorthy S, Risso S, DeFelice LJ, Blakely RD. J Neurosci. 1997 Jan 1;17(1):45-57. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8987735

TagDock: An Efficient Rigid Body Molecular Docking Algorithm For Three Dimensional Models of Oligomeric Biomolecular Complexes With Limited Experimental Restraint Data

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 11:02:12 GMT

What is TagDock?TagDock is an efficient rigid body molecular docking algorithm that generates three-dimensional models of oligomeric biomolecular complexes in instances where there is limited experimental restraint data to guide the docking calculations. Through “distance difference analysis” TagDock additionally recommends followup experiments to further discriminate divergent (score-degenerate) clusters of TagDock’s initial solution models. How is the TagDock Software different from other docking tools?Existing software tools can be challenging to use and computa...

Small molecule-GIRK Potassium Channel Modulators are Anxiolytic Therapeutics

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 12:09:21 GMT

Summary The G-protein activated, inward-rectifying potassium (K+) channels, “GIRKs”, are a family of ion channels that has been the focus of intense research interest for nearly two decades. GIRK has been shown to play important roles in the pathophysiology of diseases such as anxiety, epilepsy, Down’s syndrome, pain perception and drug addiction. Here scientists at Vanderbilt developed the first truly potent, effective, and selective GIRK activator, ML297 (VU0456810) and demonstrated that ML297 is active in animal models of epilepsy. While the group is using ML297 to cont...

Pro-apoptotic M. tuberculosis vaccine that enhances cellular immune response

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 12:09:12 GMT

Summary Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the intracellular pathogen mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and is a major health challenge for human beings. The only available vaccine against TB today remains the almost one-century-old bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which has inconsistent and incomplete protective efficacy under circumstances such as pulmonary TB. Vanderbilt scientists have discovered a novel method to modify the BCG vaccine. The improved vaccine, called "pro-apoptotic BCG (paBCG)” vaccine, induces strong cellular immune responses and shows improved vaccine e...

The Adventures of Jasper Woodbury: Videodisc-Based Adventures That Focus on Mathematical Problem Finding and Problem Solving Designed for Students in Grades 5 and Up

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 12:09:10 GMT

SummaryThe Adventures of Jasper Woodbury™ consists of 12 videodisc-based adventures that focus on mathematical problem finding and problem solving. In particular, each adventure provides multiple opportunities for problem solving, reasoning, communication and making connections to other areas such as science, social studies, literature and history (NCTM, 1989; 1991). Jasper adventures are designed for students in grades 5 and up. Each videodisc contains a short (approximately 17 minute) video adventure that ends in a complex challenge. The adventures are designed like good detective nove...

Tentacle-Like Robots to Access Tight Spaces in Manufacturing and Medical Applications

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 12:09:09 GMT

SummaryVanderbilt researchers have developed a novel method for enabling tentacle-like robots to reach into tight spaces in manufacturing or medical applications. This is useful for industrial inspection tasks, assembly of products like airplane wings with complex geometry, or making medical endoscopes reach places in the body they cannot reach today. The new invention involves routing actuation wires along a flexible arm through curved paths along the robot.Addressed NeedTentacle-like robots are needed for industrial tasks like inspection, spray painting, and assembly inside complex devices (...

Small Molecule-GIRK Potassium Channel Modulators That Are Anxiolytic Therapeutics

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 12:09:09 GMT

GluN2B Floxed Mice (also called NR2B, glutamate receptor 2B)

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 07:55:49 GMT

Allows for targeted deletion of the GluN2B subunit of NMDA receptors in specific cells or at specific times during development, juvenile, or adult stages. C57BL6/J background.

Ferroelectric Nanofluids for Piezoelectric and Electro-Optic Uses

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 09:15:51 GMT

Summary Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a new method of producing microscale and nanoscale ferroelectric fluids. These particles are useful in a variety of piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and electrooptic devices such as thin-film capacitors, electronic transducers, actuators, high-k dielectrics, pyroelectric sensors, and optical memories. Addressed Need Scarcity of microscale and nanoscale ferroelectric materials High mobility nanofluid without the need for direct pressure or large magnetic and/or electric fields Technology Description This i...

Assessment of Right Ventricular Function Using Contrast Echocardiography

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 07:16:30 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt Medical Center researchers have developed a non-invasive and reproducible method of assessing right-ventricular function using contrast-echocardiography. The right-ventricular transit time (RVTT) measures the time needed for echocardiographic contrast to travel from the RV to the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery. Coupled with the pulmonary transit time (PTT), the time needed for contrast to traverse the entire pulmonary circulation, RVTT is part of a family of diagnostic parameters that can report on RV-specific performance as well as the RV’s function relativ...

Aliquot Delivery System

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 07:37:15 GMT

SummaryVanderbilt researchers have developed a novel device for accurately delivering a small aliquot of liquid pharmaceutical agent to a treatment site. This system enables more precise dosage and eliminates expensive waste found in conventional methods.Addressed NeedWith the growth of image-guided interventions, technology is becoming increasingly effective at guiding devices precisely where treatments need to be applied. With these advancements, there is a rising need for the ability to deliver very specific doses of fluid agents to a small surgical site Conventional methods use long cathet...

Gratings on Porous Silicon Structures for Sensing Applications

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 07:36:59 GMT

SummaryIn this technology diffraction-based sensors made from porous materials are used for the detection of small molecules. The porous nature of the diffraction gratings that gives rise to an extremely large active sensing area enables a very high level of sensitivity. Specificity is achieved by functionalizing the porous gratings with selective binding species.Challenges in Optical Sensing· Many current optical bio- and chemical sensing systems rely on expensive and bulky equipment for high resolution detection of refracted light· The current techniques in diffraction-based se...

New Molecules Clear Chronic Infections by Disrupting Bacterial Energy Production Pathways

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:27:57 GMT

http://vanderbilt.technologypublisher.com/files/sites/skaar-mrsa-fermentation-inhibitor-ncs1.pdf

System and Methods for Contact Detection and Localization in Continuum Robots

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:27:54 GMT

SummaryThis technology expands the capabilities of continuum robots with a system and method that enables them to detect instances of contact and to estimate the position of the contact. This framework allows the motion of the robot to be constrained so as to ensure the robot doesn’t damage itself, another robot arm, or surrounding environments. Applications for this technology include enhanced safe telemanipulation for multi-arm continuum robots in surgery, micro-assembly in confined spaces, and exploration in unknown environments.Challenges in Robotic SurgeryMinimally invasive procedur...

Minimally Invasive Telerobotic Platform for Transurethral Exploration and Intervention

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:27:52 GMT

SummaryThis technology, developed in Vanderbilt University’s Advanced Robotics and Mechanism Applications Laboratory, uses a minimally invasive telerobotic platform to perform transurethral procedures, such as transurethral bladder tumor resection and surveillance. This robotic device provides high levels of precision and dexterity that improve patient outcomes in transurethral procedures.Challenges in Transurethral ProceduresVisualization in the bladder is difficult with current technologies, and surface imaging is insufficient for locating the margins of tumors with underlying submucos...

Dexterous Robotic Wrist and Gripper for Extreme Precision Micro-surgical Maneuvers in Confined Spaces

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:27:50 GMT

Summary This invention presents a robotic wrist and gripper that operate with three independent degrees of freedom (yaw, pitch and roll) for increased dexterity in minimally invasive surgical procedures. This is the smallest robotic wrist of its kind, and due to its size and unparalleled dexterity, this wrist enables complex surgical maneuvers for minimally invasive procedures in highly confined spaces. Examples of surgical areas benefiting from use of this wrist include natural orifice surgery, single port access surgery, and minimally invasive surgery. In particular, the proposed wrist all...

MAESTRO: Non-Robotic Dexterous Laparoscopic Instrument with a Wrist providing seven degrees of freedom

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:27:48 GMT

SummaryInventors at Vanderbilt University have developed a non-robotic dexterous laparoscopic manipulator with a wrist providing seven-degrees-of-freedom. The device has a novel user interface that intuitively maps motion of the surgeon’s hands to the tool’s “hands”.Addressed NeedCurrent laparoscopic instruments use a rigid connection between the surgical tool and the tool shaft.Modern surgical robots provide wrist articulation; this invention enables a cheaper and safer alternative in the form of a non-robotic tool.The key feature of this invention is an intuitive user...

Pulsed Infrared Light for the Inhibition of Central Nervous System Neurons

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:27:47 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a novel method for contactless simulation of the central nervous system. This technique involves the use of infrared neural stimulation (INS) to evoke the observable action potentials from neurons of the central nervous system. While infrared neural stimulation of the peripheral nervous system was accomplished almost a decade ago, this is the first technique for infrared stimulation of the central nervous system. Addressed Need Electrical field spread in electrical stimulation excites too large of a volume of tissue and cannot provide local e...

New Drug for Blood Clot: FXII Inhibitors to Treat Thrombosis

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 11:50:53 GMT

Summary Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, which may cause reduced blood flow to a tissue, or even tissue death. Thrombosis, inflammation, and infections are responsible for >70% of all human mortality. Thrombosis is also the major factor for heart disease and stroke. 500,000 die from thrombosis every year in Europe. Inhibitory treatment of these conditions may also improve the outcomes of several non-fatal diseases. Researchers from Vanderbilt University and Oregon Health & Science University have jointly discovered new monoclonal antibodies that poten...

Precision Pneumatic Robot for MRI-Guided Neurosurgery

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 11:50:51 GMT

Summary At Vanderbilt University, a robotic steering mechanism for MRI-guided neurosurgical ablation has been developed. The small robot has submilimeter precision and is fully MRI compatible. It aims to replace current surgical practices with minimally invasive procedures in order to enhance the treatment of cancer and numerous neurological disorders such as epilepsy. Addressed Need · Provides a robotic presence for the surgeon in the confined space of a high-Tesla closed-bore scanner · Epilepsy is the 3rd most common neurological disorder affecting 3 million Americans and over ...

New Insect Repellants Disrupt Olfactory Cues: A Strategy for Pest Protection

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 11:50:46 GMT

http://vanderbilt.technologypublisher.com/files/sites/ncs-insect-repellent-marketing-summary1.pdf

Metabolic Labeling Reagents for Chondroitin Sulfate

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 02 May 2013 10:39:46 GMT

SummaryDr. Patrick Page-McCaw has developed synthetic analogs of N-acetylgalactosamine, finally enabling researchers to track the biosynthesis of chondroitin sulfate along with other glycans. Stunning images demonstrate incorporation of these metabolic labeling reagents to track neurodevelopmental processes in a zebrafish model system. Notably, the metabolic label can be detected post vivo using a standard "click" chemistry reaction. Further, Dr. Page-McCaw has optimized a background reduction strategy to complement this technology by improving the signal-to-noise ratio. These reagen...

Molecular Image Fusion: Cross-Modality Modeling and Prediction Software for Molecular Imaging

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 02 May 2013 10:39:44 GMT

Summary A research team at Vanderbilt University Mass Spectrometry Research Center has developed the Molecular Image Fusion software system, that by fusing spatial correspondence between histology and imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) measurements and cross-modality modeling, can predict ion distributions in tissue at spatial resolutions that exceed their acquisition resolution. The prediction resolution can even exceed the highest spatial resolution at which IMS can be physically measured. This software has been successfully tested on different IMS datasets and can be extended to other imaging...

'Coffee Ring' Diagnostic for Point-of-Care Biomarker Detection

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Thu, 02 May 2013 10:39:42 GMT

Extra, Extra . . . Read All About It! Bright minds at Vanderbilt University have unveiled a breakthrough technology that could bring sophisticated biomarker diagnostics to the developing world. The point-of-care diagnostic is designed to be used in the field; no specialized equipment, expertise, or white lab coats are required. The diagnostic is based upon the ingenous observation that evaporating liquid droplets leave behind a characteristic ring pattern, which may be familiar to our readers in the form of a coffee-ring stain. Description of Technology How does this diagnostic work?...

Nanostructured MoS2 Electrodes

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:12:33 GMT

Hyper-SHIELDED - Preserving Parahydrogen Spin Order by Efficient Transfer of Nuclear Singlet

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:12:20 GMT

Primary Human Fibroblats Derived From Prostate Cancer Tissue and Normal Tissue

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:11:43 GMT

This research targets prostate cancer.

HCC2429 Human Lung Cancer Cell Line

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:11:42 GMT

This research targets HCC2429.

HEK293 Cell Line with Stable Expression of Drosophila Serotonin Re-Uptake Transporter

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:11:40 GMT

This research targets SERT.

Anti-p19 ARF Antibody

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:11:25 GMT

This research targets ARG(p19).

Mouse Anti-Kaiso Monoclonal Antibody

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:11:24 GMT

This research targets Kaiso.

Anti-human Myeloid Cell Nuclear Differentiation Monoclonal Antibody

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:11:23 GMT

The antibody is a rat IgG1 monoclonal, clone 3C1.

Rabbit Anti-Fibroblast Specific Protein 1 Polyclonal Antibody

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:11:20 GMT

This research targets FSP1.

Rabbit-Anti-mouse Pancreatic and Duodenal Homebox Gene-1 Antibody

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:11:19 GMT

This research targets Pdx-1.

Mice with Inducible Cre-ERt Replacing Cytokeratin 19 Coding Region

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:11:15 GMT

This research targets CK19.

Pancreas Transcription Factor-1 Alpha-Cre Transgenic Mice

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:11:13 GMT

This research targets Ptf1a.

Pancreas Specific Trangenic Mice Overexpressing Either Transmembrane Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor or Secreted HB-EGF

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:11:12 GMT

This research targets HB-EGF.

Insulin Promoter Driven Insulin-Luciferase Transgenic Mouse (CD-1 Background)

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:11:10 GMT

This research targets INS1.

Endothieal Nitric Oxide Synthase Null Mice (db/db background)

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:11:05 GMT

This research targets eNOS.

Mouse Model for Cardiovascular/Autonomic Disorders

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:11:04 GMT

This research targets CHT.

Floxed Prostaglandin D2 Receptor Alleles

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:11:03 GMT

This research targets DP1.

Purified Bovine cAMP and cGMP Dependant Protein Kinases

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:10:59 GMT

This research targets PKA, PKG.

Bright White Light Nanocrystals for LEDs

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 15:49:50 GMT

SummaryA research team lead by Professor Sandra Rosenthal at Vanderbilt University has developed nanocrystals (~2 nm diameter) that emit white light with very high quantum efficiency. This technology would be a viable cost effective candidate for commercial solid-state lighting applications, such as Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). These nanocrystals were originally discovered by the same group in 2005; a recent breakthrough in post-treatment results in improving fluorescent quantum yield up to ~ 45%.Addressed Need· Increasing cost and energy demands have created a growing need for LEDs as...

PANORAMIC: Precession and Nutation for Observing Rotation at Multiple Intervals about the Carrier

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 15:49:37 GMT

Summary Methods of hyperpolarization based on parahydrogen have been expanding recently from the early applications in hydrogenation chemistry to biomedical imaging where they are expected to yield similar information as the competing technology, dynamic nuclear polarization, (DNP). These hyperpolarization experiments have already enabled the measurement of metabolism in vivo at temporal resolutions of seconds. When infused into organisms harboring tumor cells, molecules such as pyruvate and lactate have been shown to be sufficiently long-lived to infiltrate cellular metabolic cycl...

Cell-Permeable Socs Proteins That Inhibit Cytokine-Induced Signaling

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 15:48:38 GMT

SummaryScientists at Vanderbilt have developed a unique intracellular protein therapy as a facile alternative to gene therapy. By engineering cell-penetrating recombinant SOCS proteins (CP-SOCSs) designed to inhibit cytokine signaling inside the cell they prevented or treated acute inflammation in the liver and other major organs in preclinical models. They extended this strategy to the long acting form of these novel cell-penetrating physiologic suppressors of inflammation and cell death.Commercial ApplicationsThis recombinant cell-penetrating protein can potentially be applied to treatment o...

Method for the Automatic Segmentation of the Facial Nerve and the Chorda Tympani in CT Images

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 15:48:06 GMT

Summary A system and method for automatic segmentation of a structure of interest of an ear are disclosed, where the structure of interest includes the facial nerve and chorda tympani. In one embodiment, the method combines an atlas-based approach with a minimum cost path finding algorithm. A structure model is constructed from a plurality of preoperative image volumes to have a centerline of the structure of interest in an atlas with each point along the centerline being associated with expected values for characteristic features, and used to create a spatially varying cost function ...

EP4 Transgenic Mice

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 15:47:19 GMT

EP4 Transgenic Mice are part of the Vanderbilt Research Tools Catalog.

Catheter Having Temperature Controlled Anchor and Related Methods

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:42:09 GMT

SummaryHeart valve disease is the 3rd most prevalent source of cardiovascular disease, leading to approximately 20,000 deaths per year in the U.S. alone. Moreover, there are an estimated 41,000 mitral valve procedures performed in the U.S. each year. The only effective, long-term treatment for mitral valve disease is open-chest valve replacement surgery, which is highly undesirable for elderly patients. Thus, there is a pressing need to develop novel percutaneous strategies for treatment that will reduce the number of open-chest surgeries. David Merryman and colleagues have developed a new, co...

Antimicrobial Compounds and Methods of Use Thereof

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:40:54 GMT

SummaryThe increasing rise of bacterial resistance to current antibiotics and the lack of new products to combat such strains continue to be an increasing threat to global public health as well as a continued strain on health care costs. Common resistant pathogens causing severe nosocomial infections include Gram-positive pathogens such as the ‘superbug’ multi drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), in addition there is an increasing rise of resistant Gram-negative pathogens, such as fluoroquinolone-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (FQRP). The estimated cost for MRSA alone in ...

Rotary Planar Peristaltic Micropump (RPPM) and Rotary Planar Valve (RPV) for Microfluidic Systems

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:26:12 GMT

SummaryA Vanderbilt University research team led by Professor John Wikswo has developed low-cost, small-volume, metering peristaltic micropumps and microvalves. These pumps and valves can be used either as stand-alone devices incorporated into microfluidic subsystems, or as readily customized components for research or miniaturized point-of-care instruments, Lab-on-a-Chip devices, and disposable fluid delivery cartridges.Addressed NeedA major challenge when translating microfluidic and Lab-on-a-Chip technologies into marketable devices is the controlled movement of small volumes of fluids. The...

Optical Stimulation of the Auditory Nerve

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:30:18 GMT

SummaryA cochlear implant placed in a cochlea of a living subject for stimulating the auditory system of the living subject, where the auditory system comprises auditory neurons. In one embodiment, the cochlear implant includes a plurality of light sources, {L.sub.i}, placeable distal to the cochlea, each light source, L.sub.1, being operable independently and adapted for generating an optical energy, E.sub.i, wherein i=1, . . . , N, and N is the number of the light sources, and delivering means placeable in the cochlea and optically coupled to the plurality of light sources, {L.sub.i}, such t...

System for Determining the Orientation of a Bone Implanted Post

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 12:27:34 GMT

SummaryA method for determining an orientation of a base to which a fiducial marker is detachably mounted. The method includes the steps of determining the axis of symmetry for the fiducial marker and choosing the determined axis of symmetry of the fiducial marker as the axis of symmetry of the base. WebsiteU.S. Patent # 7,646,899: Apparatus and methods of determining marker orientation in fiducial registration

Combined Raman Spectroscopy- Optical Coherence Tomography (RS-OCT)

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:14:07 GMT

SummaryVanderbilt researchers have developed an optical system for the differentiation of normal and cancerous skin lesions. The system combines the diagnostic prowess of two separate techniques to provide non-invasive, real-time, in-situ evaluation of lesions.Addressed NeedExisting technique requires invasive and painful tissue biopsy followed by time-consuming histopathological analysisA tumor margin determination device does not exist in the marketplaceThe two techniques used individually do not provide sufficient information to diagnose skin lesionsTechnology DescriptionThe present technol...

Improved Piezoimmunosensor

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:14:01 GMT

SummaryAn apparatus comprising one or more piezoelectric mass sensors for use in diagnostic and analytic processes, in particular for immunochemical detection of diagnostically relevant analytes in real time. Each piezoelectric mass sensor comprises a piezoelectric crystal with a receptor surface which has immobilized thereon a lawn of recombinant antibodies comprising single V.sub.H chain or single-chain Fv (scFv) polypeptides specific for a particular antigen. Binding of antigen to the recombinant antibodies results in a change in mass on the receptor surface which is detected as a change in...

Multiple Simultaneous Acoustic Source Localization in Multipath Environments

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 08:08:50 GMT

SummaryRobust and accurate sensor fusion algorithm using time of arrival data for acoustic event localization. The fusion algorithm compensates for incorrect measurements including multipath effects. The algorithm is capable of localizing multiple simultaneous sources with a high degree of accuracy. WebsiteU.S. Patent 7,433,266: Acoustic source localization system and applications of the same.

ProcoderDV

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 08:08:49 GMT

SummaryProcoder for Digital Video (ProcoderDV) was developed at the John F. Kennedy Center at Vanderbilt University to facilitate the collection of different forms of observational data from digital media files. Media files can be any files that contain events of interest on digital video or audio files. Data files can be of two general types: event files or transcription files. Files can be exported into MOOSES (Tapp & Wehby, 1995) format or SALT (Miller & Chapman, 1993) format or can be read directly by many popular statistical or spreadsheet programs. A code file can be used in conj...

OLINDA/EXM Radiation Dose Assessment Software Application

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:23:12 GMT

Update on the release and availability of OLINDA version 2.0 HERMES Medical Solutions and Vanderbilt University announce exclusive license and commercialization agreement Stockholm, Sweden and Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. 9/10/2015HERMES Medical Solutions (HERMES) by Sofia Bertling COO and Vanderbilt University (Vanderbilt) by Professor Michael Stabin announced today the signature of an exclusive license and commercialization agreement for the new dosimetry application OLINDA / EXM® to be distributed by HERMES. The OLINDA / EXM® application is widely used in the radiopharmaceu...

Method for the Automatic Segmentation of the Facial Nerve and the Chorda Tympani in CT Images

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:02:20 GMT

This is a high resolution imaging device that can detect the fundamental functional units of cortical organization. Currently, with existing technology, we are able to monitor the activity of these units in the awake, head-fixed animal using large standard sized cameras mounted on heavy camera arms. However, we need a capability to conduct such monitoring in the awake and freely moving animal so that we can relate specific patterns of cortical activity to natural behaviors.InventorsBenoit DawantJack Noble

Trimodal Handheld Probe Based on Raman Spectroscopy and Confocal Imaging for Cancer Detection

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:02:18 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a handheld confocal Raman spectroscopy probe integrated with confocal imaging that provides real-time histology and biochemistry of tissue. The probe provides spatial, structural as well as biochemical information about the tissue disease state and is currently being explored for skin cancer detection.BackgroundConfocal Raman spectroscopy alone can isolate signatures from different layers of tissue but yields little information about tissue microstructure.Confocal imaging alone provides structural information of the tissue.Gross spatial imaging is ...

System for Determining the Orientation of a Bone-Implanted Anchor

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:02:17 GMT

A method for simplifying the process of designing a platform for minimally invasive surgery. The platform is designed to attach to a set of bone-implanted anchors attached to the patient. This method makes the fitting of the platform to the anchors simpler and easier.

System and Methods of Using Image-guidance for Placement of Cochlear Stimulator Devices, Drug Carrier Devices, or the Like

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:02:10 GMT

SummaryVanderbilt inventors have developed and tested a device (C-in™) and method that would shift the current invasive, risky surgical procedure of cochlear implantation to a less invasive outpatient procedure. DescriptionBuilding on expertise in image-guided surgery, Vanderbilt researchers have developed a device and methodology for obtaining cochlear access in a minimally invasive fashion based on use with a microsurgical platform (by FHC, Inc.). This technique, or alternatives that Vanderbilt has developed, will allow cochlear access to be obtained in an out-patient procedural s...

Software for Adaptive Basis Non-Rigid Registration Algorithm

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:30:46 GMT

This program permits the automatic non-rigid registration (spatial realignment) of 2D and 3D mono-and multi modal images.

Image-Guided Navigation System for Endoscopic Eye Surgery

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:30:45 GMT

Summary Vanderbilt researchers have developed a device which allows the performance of minimally invasive ophthalmic orbital surgery. The device is a flexible image-guided endoscope that provides access to the retrobulbar space. The device also provides instrumental access to the lesion site with minimal collateral tissue damage. The device is anticipated to improve visualization, and reduce complications and surgery time. Addressed NeedSaline flushing of orbit during traditional surgery leads to tissue inflammation and decreased field of view The use of steroids to reduce potential optic nerv...

Integrated Device for Leaching Extraction and Assessment

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:30:39 GMT

SummaryThe invention is a device which permits the direct quantification of leachable organic constituents from within solid materials. It is expected that the device will be used in landfills and in other environments where measurements are central to the evaluation of the environmental compatibility of solid materials (e.g., sediments, soils, solidified waste forms) containing organic constituents that have the potential to degrade water resources of to be taken up by biota and the food chain. The invention is designed to simplify current difficulties in assessing leaching of organic constit...

Multi-Option Observation System for Experimental Studies (MOOSES)

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:30:36 GMT

SummaryMOOSES (Multi-Option Observation System for Experimental Studies). This software system makes it easy to collect and analyze data about any type of real time events. Data can be collected using your PC, a laptop, A handheld PC, or a PocketPC and later analyzed on several dimensions. Data collected from digital audio and video files using ProcoderDV can also be analyzed using MOOSES. This type of data can help you make accurate assessment of what is happening in the real time system you are observing. Several analysis options are provided and described at the website. Websitehttp://...

Fault-Adaptive Control Technology Toolsuite (FACT)

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:30:34 GMT

SummaryThe FACT tool suite assists engineers working with complex aerospace systems to design and implement control systems that can maintain control even when the controlled system "fails." The tool suite uses a model-based approach where the designer creates design models of the plant and its associated control system, and the tools automatically generate code that implements fault-detection, isolation and control reconfiguration (FDICR) functions.DescriptionThe FACT tool suite has three components:A modeling tool that allows creating, editing and maintaining models described above...

Play Nicely -- Violence Prevention Program for Pre-School Children

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:30:30 GMT

SummaryPlay Nicely is a video series developed by a professor of pediatrics for parents of and for teachers and day care providers who are responsible for pre-school age children. The video series offers advice on how to deal with anti-social and violent behavior among pre-school children and the best methods for modifying such behavior. Websitehttp://playnicely.vueinnovations.com

Heterologous Expression System for Studying Recombinant Human Brain Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel, SCN1A

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:30:21 GMT

SummaryIsolated nucleic acids encoding human SCN1A polypeptides, recombinantly expressed and isolated human SCN1A polypeptides, heterologous expression systems for recombinant expression of human SCN1A polypeptides, assay methods employing the same, and methods and compositions for modulation of sodium channel function. WebsiteU.S. Patent 7,125,676: Expression system for human brain-specific voltage-gated sodium channel, type 1

HEK-293 Cell Line Containing the Human Norepiephrine Transporter cDNA (Norepi Cell Line)

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:27:41 GMT

MMP-7 Null Mice

cttc@vanderbilt.edu — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:27:40 GMT

The only MMP-7-null mouse that has been generated. Used to determine biological function of MMP-7. Mice have been used in more than 10 publications at this point, and will be distributed by a commercial vendor in the near future.