Facilities

The center’s approach seeks to utilize tandem research studies using animal models, in vitro models, human subjects and computer models in parallel to fully investigate new technology and address key research questions. The core lab facilities are well-equipped for these studies and provide capabilities for neurotechnology implementation, imaging, biomechanical assessment and physiological assessment.

Major/specialized equipment in the laboratories includes:

Rehabilitation Engineering Design Laboratory

  • Automated video-based (3-D) kinematic/kinetic analysis system
  • Real-time electromagnetic kinematic monitoring system
  • Metabolic analysis system
  • Muscle ergometry system
  • Cardiovascular assessment system
  • Custom instrumented parallel bars
  • Treadmill with partial weight support system
  • Electromyogram (EMG) recording system
  • Computer-controlled surface stimulation systems
  • Implanted electrical stimulation systems
  • Specialized exercise equipment for people with disabilities

Pre-Clinical Neural Systems Laboratory

Sensorimotor functional assessment 

  • Peak Measurement Systems 4 camera 3-D kinematic/kinetic analysis system
  • Overground track 2-D kinematic analysis system
  • Rodent treadmills
  • Von-Frey cutaneous reflex assessment system
  • Balance assesment
  • Spinal cord impactor (Infinite Horizon)

Electrophysiological and neural (complete setup for in vivo and in vitro neural recordings as well as EMG recordings and neural stimulation from awake behaving animals)

  • TM-system vibration isolation tables (3)
  • Axoclamp 2A and associated data acquisition hardware/software
  • Sutter Instrument P-97 puller
  • SD Instruments 3 and 4 axis micromanipulators
  • Narishige manipulators
  • Master 8 A.M.P.I.- 8 channel stimulator and constant current isolator units
  • CWE FNS-16 custom stimulator with full computer control
  • AM-systems amplifiers
  • CWE moving averagers
  • CWE Highpass and Low Pass filters
  • Audio Monitors
  • Stoetling stereotaxic frame and spinal adaptor
  • 6DOF Force transducers (JR3)

Cardiorespiratory (complete cardiorespiratory measurement capability from awake or anesthetized rodents )

  • heart rate tachometer
  • blood pressure transducers
  • rodent ventilator
  • capnometer
  • respiratory flow integrators
  • CWE moving averagers 

Microscopy

  • Stereomicroscopes (Leica MZ75, S6D)
  • Interference Contrast Microscope (DM4500B)
  • Upright microscopes (Leica)
  • Optronic and Nikon Digital cameras
  • Neurolucida™ Premier stereology system for neuroscience

Molecular biology and immunochemistry  (set up for routine histology of central nervous system and muscle tissue as well as CNS immunochemistry)

General

  • Distillation Unit
  • Freezer (-80°C)
  • Implantable electrode fabrication capabilities
  • Facilities for long-term (12 weeks or more) chronic device implant studies 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy

  • Small Animal Multipurpose research scanner for high resolution, fast speed, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance 2-D and 3-D image reconstruction and in vivo spectroscopy (7 Tesla, 30 cm bore Bruker/Biospec) (expected installation January 2008).