Monti Lab: Brain Ultrasound and Deep Brain Nuclei

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Last updated: Aug 02, 2019

The Monti Lab at UCLA studies human consciousness and cognition while in a coma, vegetative, or minimally conscious state. One of their researchers, Joshua Cain, has been researching deep brain nuclei and the role they play in treating disorders of consciousness. His research uses a rare form of brain ultrasound to study brain activity and explore deep brain nuclei, and is one of the only labs in the U.S. to be using this technology. 

Table of Contents

 

Faculty Member(s) / Advisors

  • Dr. Martin M. Monti, Ph.D.

Graduate or Undergratuate

  • Graduate

Students

  • Joshua Cain

Challenges met

Because the ultrasound method used in this research is so rare, a custom set up had to be created to hold and administer the ultrasound. Joshua Cain has worked with the Lux Lab over the past two years to develop prototypes and eventually functioning pieces to hold the ultrasound and chin seats in position. His parts were printed in high density PLA with our Makerbot printers, as they needed to be very durable and precise. 

Pictures

 The ultrasound set up, featuring our print holding the ultrasound
 Current ultrasound cap, printed with our PLA Makerbot printer, with past versions of the cap in a box below that we have printed

 Patient wearing electrodes with our piece holding the ultrasound in place