PD Dr. med. Dr. med. dent. Dominik Ettlin

Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zurich
dominik.ettlin@zzm.uzh.ch

Research Focus: Our clinical focus is the biopsychosocial evaluation and management of patients suffering from athrogenic, myogenic and neurogenic trigeminal pain disorders. The interdisciplinary team includes dentists, physicians, psychologists and neuroscientists.

We aim at better understanding peripheral and central pathomechanisms underlying these disorders, utilizing primarily functional magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy (fMRI and fMRS). We developed several MR-compatible setups for reliable stimulation of extra and intraoral structures.

We are also interested in behavioral aspects of pain. By collecting multicenter clinical data, we analyze potential pain etiologies and modifying factors.

Keywords: trigeminal sensory system, nociception, (orofacial) pain, brainstem and cortical pain fMRI, fMRS, questionnaires, clinical pain trials

Topics: Sensory Systems, Neural Basis of Behavior, Disorders of the Nervous Systems, Biomedical Technology and Imaging, cognitive neuroscience

Publication: PubMed

Website: http://www.zzm.uzh.ch/en/research/staff/ettlin-dominik.htm

Dr. Tommaso Fedele, Junior Group Leader

Dept. of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich

tommaso.fedele@usz.ch

Research Focus: High frequency oscillations (HFO, f > 80 Hz) in intracranial EEG have been shown as a promising biomarker of of the epileptogenic zone. We standardize the detection of clinically relevant HFO in pre-operative and intra-operative invasive EEG to improve surgery outcome. We aim to extend HFO detection to non-invasive scalp EEG, using a low-noise custom-made EEG device. We also investigate epilepsy dynamics and cognitive processing at multiple spatial scales recording EEG and  single unit activity in the mesial temporal lobe.

Keywords: neurophysiology; epilepsy; high frequency oscillations; single unit activity

Topic: Biomedical Technology and Imaging

Publications: https://scholar.google.ch/citations?user=F9xZ2tEAAAAJ&hl=en

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Fedele+Tommaso
 

Prof. Dr. Roger Gassert
Rehabilitation Engineering Lab, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich 
gassertr@ethz.ch

Research Focus: We apply robotics, wearable sensor technology and non-invasive neuroimaging to the exploration, assessment and restoration of sensorimotor function, with the goal of promoting recovery following neurological injury and developing assistive technologies for the compensation of remaining deficits.

Keywords: physical human-machine interaction, rehabilitation robotics, haptics, assistive technology, neural control of movement, neuroimaging, neurofeedback

Topics: Sensory Systems, Motor Systems, Disorders of the Nervous System, Biomedical Technology and Imaging

Publications: scholar.google.ch

Website: http://www.relab.ethz.ch

Prof. Dr. med. Alexander Huber
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich
direktion.orl@usz.ch

Research Focus: In our laboratory for biomechanics of hearing we develop a comprehensive understanding and a detailed theoretical model of the physiological and pathological processes of the peripheral auditory system (from the pinna to the auditory nerve).

The objectives are 1) Experimental studies of physiological and pathological processes of hearing, 2) The development of a detailed mathematical model of hearing, and 3) The optimization and development of hearing aids and hearing prostheses in collaboration with the industry. We are an interdisciplinary research team of graduates from different specialties, with competence in investigation techniques of acoustics, vibro-mechanics, fluid dynamics, electrophysiology and behavioral audiometry by taking into account the latest measurement technology.

Keywords: Hearing, Biomechanics, Implants

Topics: Sensory Systems, Biomedical Technology and Imaging

Website: http://www.orl.usz.ch/UeberUns/Seiten/default.aspx

PD Dr. Dr. med. András Jakab, Junior Group Leader
Center for MR-Research, University Children’s Hospital Zurich
andras.jakab@kispi.uzh.ch
Research Focus: Our research focus is studying normal and pathological human brain development using non-invasive medical imaging approaches, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prenatally and in early postnatal life. We aim to understand how common congenital disorders affect brain development, and how these manifest in clinical symptoms. We are interested in utilizing the latest computational image analysis approaches to improve data quality, and to construct models of human development. We also support interdisciplinary clinical research projects that consist of radiologists, neonatologists, neurosurgeons and basic scientists.

Keywords: magnetic resonance imaging, brain development, fetal development, image processing

Topics: Disorders of the Nervous System, Biomedical Technology and Imaging

Publications: https://scholar.google.ch/citations?hl=de&user=R5SzARcAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate

Website: https://www.kispi.uzh.ch/fzk/de/abteilungen/uebersicht/mr-forschung/Seiten/fetal_developmental_imaging.aspx
 

Dr. Jan Klohs
Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University and ETH Zurich
klohs@biomed.ee.ethz.ch

Research Focus: Our research aims at developing novel non-invasive imaging techniques for the characterization of preclinical models of brain diseases. A major scientific focus is to elucidate the role of vascular dysfunction, an aberrant coagulation, inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes on brain function in cerebral ischemia and Alzheimer`s disease. To this end, we employ imaging techniques like near-infrared fluorescence imaging and magnetic resonance imaging as well as develop novel molecular imaging probes to generate a variety of target-specific, potentially translatable read-outs. For validation of the imaging marker relevant experimental and genetic mouse models of human disease, pharmacology, biochemical and immunohistochemical techniques will be employed. Since the investigated processes are generic the generated imaging marker might be applicable to a number of brain diseases.

Keywords: Near-infrared fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, preclinical models of brain diseases

Topic: Biomedical Technology and Imaging

Publications: pubmed

Prof. Dr med. Spyros Kollias
Neuroradiology Clinic, University Hospital Zurich
spyros.kollias@usz.ch

Research Focus: 

i) High-resolution structural imaging of neural tissue in vivo: a) imaging CNS myeloarchitecture with clinically relevant applications, using DTI, b) application of advanced techniques (MRS, DTI, Perfusion MRI), for increasing the specificity of MR technology

ii) Multimodal imaging and connectivity mapping of degenerative CNS disease: a) functional organization of the motor and visual systems and their post-lesional reorganization, b) developing imaging and metabolic biomarkers in dementias, b) neuroimaging of migraine, c) functional analysis of brain plasticity and functional recovery of function in paraplegia, d) multimodal imaging in schizophrenia.

iii) Advanced imaging of the spinal cord: including high-resolution structural MRI, MRS, and DTI with applications in oncological, traumatic and neurodegenerative pathologies.

Keywords: Neuroimaging, MRI, functional brain mapping, MR Spectroscopy, Brain connectivity, multimodal imaging.

Topics: Biomedical Technology and Imaging, Cognitive Neuroscience, Disorders of the Nervous System

Publications: pubmed

Prof. Dr. Vartan Kurtcuoglu
The Interface Group, Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich
vartan.kurtcuoglu@uzh.ch

Research Focus: My group’s goal is to address clinical needs through the convergence of engineering, biological and medical research. Within the neuroscience field, we focus on transport processes in the fluid spaces of the brain, namely in the cerebrospinal, interstitial and perivascular fluids. By combining computational techniques with experimental methods, we aim to understand the dynamics of cerebral fluid motion, the driving forces behind these and how they, along with the associated transport processes of metabolites and other substances, are involved in the pathogenesis of CNS disorders

Keywords: volume transmission, fluid dynamics, hydrocephalus, astrocyte network, mechanosensing

Topic: Computation and Modeling, Biomedical Technology and Imaging, Disorders of the Nervous System

Publications: http://interfacegroup.ch/publications/journal-articles/

Website: http://interfacegroup.ch

Prof. Dr. Klaas Prüssmann
Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich
pruessmann@biomed.ee.ethz.ch

Topic: Biomedical Technology and Imaging

Website:  http://www.biomed.ee.ethz.ch/people/mri 

Prof. Dr. Ing. Robert Riener
Sensory Motors Systems Lab, Dept of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich and Paraplegic Center, University Hospital Balgrist Zurich 
riener@hest.ethz.ch

Research Focus: Robert Riener and the members of his Sensory-Motor Systems (SMS) Lab investigate the sensory-motor actions in and interactions between humans and machines. The research focuses on the study of human sensory-motor control, the design of novel mechatronic machines, and the investigation and optimisation of human-machine interaction. Riener’s Lab has developed famous rehabilitation robots (such as the ARMin) and virtual reality technologies applied to the area of neurorehabilitation. Main application areas are the fields of neuro-rehabilitation and sports. R. Riener is also the initiator and organiser of the Cybathlon 2016 in Kloten, Zurich.

Keywords: Neurorehabilitation, rehabilitaiton robotics, motor learning, control of motion, biomechatronics
Topic: Motor Systems, Biomedical Technology and Imaging
Publications: http://www.sms.hest.ethz.ch/docs/index
Website: http://www.sms.hest.ethz.ch/

Prof. Dr. Markus Rudin
Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich
rudin@biomed.ee.ethz.ch

Topic: Biomedical Technology and Imaging

Website: http://www.biomed.ee.ethz.ch/people/rudinma

Prof. Johannes Sarnthein
Dept of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich
johannes.sarnthein@usz.ch

Research Focus: Establish neurophysiological biomarkers to improve the outcome of neurosurgical interventions. We correlate intraoperative measurements with postoperative outcome to optimize the neurophysiological guidance of the surgeon. We analyze data obtained during surgery to investigate the physiological mechanisms involved. For example, high-frequency oscillations (HFO) are a promising new marker for epileptogenic brain tissue in intracranial recordings in epilepsy patients, both before and after resection of the epileptogenic zone.

Keywords: intraoperative neuromonitoring; patient registry; tumor; epilepsy

Topic: Biomedical Technology and Imaging

Publications: pubmed  scholar.google

Website: http://www.ini.uzh.ch/~johannes/