Biomedical Translational Imaging Centre

Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
What the facility does

Provide the technology and expertise necessary to generate and advance medical imaging R&D

Areas of expertise

BIOTIC is a multi-site imaging centre that is embedded in the two leading research and teaching hospitals in Nova Scotia. Our multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams – providing expertise in all facets of imaging research and development – collaborate on commercial development projects with industry partners, as well as research and development projects with a number of institutions.

Research services

Developing medical devices; cellular/molecular imaging for drug discovery, drug development and delivery evaluation; developing imaging techniques, fMRI to improve diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases; access and develop experimental models; gather and analyze imaging data; test and validate technologies; plan and conduct imaging-related research initiatives

Sectors of application
  • Healthcare and social services
  • Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
Name of specialized lab Name of equipment Description of function
BIOTIC – Clinical Lab Clinical Magnetoencephalogram (MEG) A 306-channel, whole-head MEG. The high temporal resolution of this system makes it preferable to other imaging techniques in observing spatial neural activity in real time, and its non-invasive, patient friendly nature makes it ideal for working with pediatric populations.
          3-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) The 3T clinical MRI scanner provides detailed anatomic, functional and spectroscopic images.  It is fully outfitted for studies of the brain, heart, abdomen, and pelvis.
  Clinical Electroencephalogram (EEG) The 128-channel EEG system records the electrical activity of the brain with high spatial accuracy.  Its active electrode technology reduces set-up time and maximizes participants’ comfort.
BIOTIC – Pre-clinical (animal) Lab Preclinical Positron Emission Tomography/Computerized Tomography (PET/CT) PET/CT allows for simultaneous evaluation of molecular, cellular, anatomical and metabolic information.
  Preclinical Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) SPECT produces high-resolution 3-D images of radio-labelled molecules.  It works with the PET/CT system to detect a wide range of biomarkers.
  Preclinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) MRI renders exquisitely detailed images of soft tissues, including iron-oxide labelled cells and molecules. MRI anatomical images can also be overlaid with separate SPECT and PET images.
  Preclinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with Optional PET With the PET insert, both MRI and PET data (functional and anatomical) can be obtained rapidly and simultaneously for more comprehensive, accurate data. 
  Biological Level 2 Lab A fully equipped biological level 2 lab and an onsite animal care facility with quarantine area provide researchers with a rare opportunity to conduct longitudinal studies in a wide range of animal models.

 

  • Dalhousie University
  • Nova Scotia Health Authority
  • IWK Health Centre
  • Mount Saint Vincent University
  • Saint Mary’s University
Title URL
BIOTIC’s video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gykbY_8mHL0
Improving the lives of Nova Scotians http://globalnews.ca/video/1207869/brain-awareness-week-improving-the-lives-of-nova-scotians
Innovation, partnership and growth – welcome to the Maritimes thriving bio-economy! http://www.biotalent.ca/en/article/innovation-partnership-and-growth-–-welcome-maritimes-thriving-bio-economy

Nova Scotia:

A Global Player in Health Research

http://smartcityblog.greaterhalifax.com/smartcity/2014/04/nova-scotia-a-global-player-in-health-research.html
Canadian research group inks MRI R&D deal with GE http://www.auntminnie.com/index.aspx?sec=sup&sub=mri&pag=dis&ItemID=111924
BioNova - BIOTIC http://bionova.ca/members/biotic/
BIOTIC and Cubresa continue successful partnership with PET scanner testing http://www.cubresa.com/biotic-and-cubresa-nupet/
Cubresa Announces New Compact SPECT Scanner for Preclinical Imaging Research http://www.cubresa.com/cubresa-announces-new-compact-spect-scanner-for-preclinical-imaging-research/