Your brain on an iPhone - More Radiology Apps!

This is your brain. This is your brain on an iPhone.

Researchers at the University of Calgary have written a software application for the new iPhone 3G, allowing doctors to remotely receive medical images on their iPhones and to manipulate the images in three dimensions.

The project is jointly funded by the Government of Alberta through iCORE (Informatics Circle of Research Excellence), Calgary Scientific Inc. and the University of Calgary. iCORE is providing $750,000 over five years. Calgary Scientific Inc is contributing more than $1 million in funding and in-kind resources, while the University of Calgary is contributing $375,000 to the project.

This research focuses on developing new methods to identify and extract vital diagnostic information from medical images produced by MRI and CAT scans, said Dr. Ross Mitchell, newly appointed iCORE/ Calgary Scientific Inc. Industry Chair in Medical Imaging Informatics at the University of Calgary. This new funding will help us rapidly and reliably identify brain regions at risk during acute stroke, find new methods to predict how a brain tumor will respond to therapy, and better gauge the effectiveness of new Multiple Sclerosis treatments.

By bringing the outcomes of his research to the marketplace, Dr. Mitchells work will enhance disease diagnosis in this province and across the globe, said Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology. Dr. Mitchells work also furthers our effort to create the right environment for world-class researchers, diversify our economy, and take an innovative approach towards health care.

Harvey Weingarten, President of the University of Calgary, said the private/public partnership of the iCORE Industry Chair program will have direct and positive benefits on patients.

Dr. Mitchells research will continue to have a significant impact on people suffering from illnesses such as brain cancer, multiple sclerosis and strokes, said Weingarten. His work is part of the incredibly exciting field of biomedical engineering. Dr. Mitchells expertise in digital imaging will have a tangible effect on patient care and recovery.

Byron Osing, Chair and CEO of Calgary Scientific Inc. said, "The combined research, development, and commercialization activities enabled through programs such as the iCORE chair will deliver improved patient outcomes and reduced costs in healthcare systems here in Alberta and globally.

CAT scans and other diagnostic images could soon be available on your doctor's iPhone thanks to Dr. Mitchell's work.: Photo by Calvin SunCAT scans and other diagnostic images could soon be available on your doctor's iPhone thanks to Dr. Mitchell's work.: Photo by Calvin SuniCORE was established by the Alberta government to foster an expanding community of exceptional researchers in the field of informatics computer science, electrical and computer engineering, physics, mathematics and other disciplines related to information and communications technology (ICT).

About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary

The U of C's Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs, and close relationship with the Calgary Health Region, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.