Awards aplenty for Bionics Institute PhD students
Bionics Institute PhD candidates, Ishara Paranawithana and Ajmal Azeez have been recognised by separate institutions for their early research talent.
In August, Ishara Paranawithana was awarded a prestigious MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship.
Supported by the MedTech Actuator and the Menzies Foundation, 10 high potential PhD researchers are awarded a MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship annually to support their academic development.
“Applying for the MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship allowed me to see the big picture of my PhD research, understand my potential, and the impact I can make through medical research to transform the lives of many people,” said Ishara.
“I’m excited to learn new skills and knowledge around research translation and commercialisation, and expand my network to expose myself to better opportunities in med tech field in the future. I’m also keen to make the most out of this learning opportunity to further my understanding about Australia’s med tech start-up ecosystem.”
Ishara currently is studying with Professor Colette McKay‘s team and his PhD project is titled: “Using fNIRS to explore language development in infants”. The focus of this research is to develop novel techniques to measure functional connectivity in language areas of the brain using fNIRS to better understand how hearing impairment affects language development in infants.
In the same month, Ajmal Azees won the RMIT round of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) People’s Choice Award.
Ajmal claimed the award for a video on his PhD project titled: “Combining optogenetic stimulation and electrical stimulation to enhance spatial resolution of neural stimulation”.
This competition is designed to test the students ability to communicate their science orally, cultivating the students academic, presentation and research communication skills
“I feel very proud on being awarded with People’s Choice Award at the 3-minute Thesis Competition organized by RMIT University,” said Ajmal.
“By presenting at 3 Minute Thesis , my confidence has been boosted and I will be able to present to technical audience and non technical audience with more enthusiasm to create more awareness about my research. Also it feels very satisfying and encouraging to do more research when someone acknowledges our research works.”
Ajmal’s PhD project at the Bionics Institute investigates the efficacy of a hybrid neural stimulation device that combines light emitting diodes (LEDs) and platinum electrodes to harness the precision of optogenetic stimulation while maintaining the efficiency and speed of electrical stimulation.
You might be interested in…
Awards aplenty for Bionics Institute PhD students
Bionics Institute PhD candidates, Ishara Paranawithana and Ajmal Azeez have been recognised by separate institutions for their early research talent.
In August, Ishara Paranawithana was awarded a prestigious MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship.
Supported by the MedTech Actuator and the Menzies Foundation, 10 high potential PhD researchers are awarded a MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship annually to support their academic development.
“Applying for the MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship allowed me to see the big picture of my PhD research, understand my potential, and the impact I can make through medical research to transform the lives of many people,” said Ishara.
“I’m excited to learn new skills and knowledge around research translation and commercialisation, and expand my network to expose myself to better opportunities in med tech field in the future. I’m also keen to make the most out of this learning opportunity to further my understanding about Australia’s med tech start-up ecosystem.”
Ishara currently is studying with Professor Colette McKay‘s team and his PhD project is titled: “Using fNIRS to explore language development in infants”. The focus of this research is to develop novel techniques to measure functional connectivity in language areas of the brain using fNIRS to better understand how hearing impairment affects language development in infants.
In the same month, Ajmal Azees won the RMIT round of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) People’s Choice Award.
Ajmal claimed the award for a video on his PhD project titled: “Combining optogenetic stimulation and electrical stimulation to enhance spatial resolution of neural stimulation”.
This competition is designed to test the students ability to communicate their science orally, cultivating the students academic, presentation and research communication skills
“I feel very proud on being awarded with People’s Choice Award at the 3-minute Thesis Competition organized by RMIT University,” said Ajmal.
“By presenting at 3 Minute Thesis , my confidence has been boosted and I will be able to present to technical audience and non technical audience with more enthusiasm to create more awareness about my research. Also it feels very satisfying and encouraging to do more research when someone acknowledges our research works.”
Ajmal’s PhD project at the Bionics Institute investigates the efficacy of a hybrid neural stimulation device that combines light emitting diodes (LEDs) and platinum electrodes to harness the precision of optogenetic stimulation while maintaining the efficiency and speed of electrical stimulation.
Women in STEMM Lunch
The Women in STEMM Lunch is a feature of the Graeme Clark Oration event program.
Guests from across the STEMM sector came together to network and engage in a Q&A with Professor Natalia Trayanova (Johns Hopkins University) and Professor Nilmini Wickramasinghe (Swinburne University of Technology).
The lunch fostered insightful conversations about overcoming career barriers and advancing advance gender diversity in science.
The Bionics Institute 2022 Award for Excellence in Medical Device Innovation
The winner of the 2022 Bionics Institute Award for Excellence in Medical Device Innovation was Professor Rodney Lane.
Professor Lane is a Senior Vascular Surgeon at Royal North Shore Hospital and is recognised for his numerous vascular research projects over the past 25 plus years, with the majority focusing on novel Bioengineering approaches
The annual Bionics Institute Award for Excellence in Medical Device Innovation recognises an Australian individual who, through innovation, has made a significant impact on the medical device ecosystem with the aim of improving human health.
To celebrate the achievements of Professor Lane, the Innovation award was presented at the Bionics Institute 2022 Graeme Clark Oration Dinner in Melbourne on 12 July, with a $5000 prize and associated publicity.
You might be interested in…
Awards aplenty for Bionics Institute PhD students
Bionics Institute PhD candidates, Ishara Paranawithana and Ajmal Azeez have been recognised by separate institutions for their early research talent.
In August, Ishara Paranawithana was awarded a prestigious MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship.
Supported by the MedTech Actuator and the Menzies Foundation, 10 high potential PhD researchers are awarded a MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship annually to support their academic development.
“Applying for the MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship allowed me to see the big picture of my PhD research, understand my potential, and the impact I can make through medical research to transform the lives of many people,” said Ishara.
“I’m excited to learn new skills and knowledge around research translation and commercialisation, and expand my network to expose myself to better opportunities in med tech field in the future. I’m also keen to make the most out of this learning opportunity to further my understanding about Australia’s med tech start-up ecosystem.”
Ishara currently is studying with Professor Colette McKay‘s team and his PhD project is titled: “Using fNIRS to explore language development in infants”. The focus of this research is to develop novel techniques to measure functional connectivity in language areas of the brain using fNIRS to better understand how hearing impairment affects language development in infants.
In the same month, Ajmal Azees won the RMIT round of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) People’s Choice Award.
Ajmal claimed the award for a video on his PhD project titled: “Combining optogenetic stimulation and electrical stimulation to enhance spatial resolution of neural stimulation”.
This competition is designed to test the students ability to communicate their science orally, cultivating the students academic, presentation and research communication skills
“I feel very proud on being awarded with People’s Choice Award at the 3-minute Thesis Competition organized by RMIT University,” said Ajmal.
“By presenting at 3 Minute Thesis , my confidence has been boosted and I will be able to present to technical audience and non technical audience with more enthusiasm to create more awareness about my research. Also it feels very satisfying and encouraging to do more research when someone acknowledges our research works.”
Ajmal’s PhD project at the Bionics Institute investigates the efficacy of a hybrid neural stimulation device that combines light emitting diodes (LEDs) and platinum electrodes to harness the precision of optogenetic stimulation while maintaining the efficiency and speed of electrical stimulation.
You might be interested in…
Awards aplenty for Bionics Institute PhD students
Bionics Institute PhD candidates, Ishara Paranawithana and Ajmal Azeez have been recognised by separate institutions for their early research talent.
In August, Ishara Paranawithana was awarded a prestigious MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship.
Supported by the MedTech Actuator and the Menzies Foundation, 10 high potential PhD researchers are awarded a MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship annually to support their academic development.
“Applying for the MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship allowed me to see the big picture of my PhD research, understand my potential, and the impact I can make through medical research to transform the lives of many people,” said Ishara.
“I’m excited to learn new skills and knowledge around research translation and commercialisation, and expand my network to expose myself to better opportunities in med tech field in the future. I’m also keen to make the most out of this learning opportunity to further my understanding about Australia’s med tech start-up ecosystem.”
Ishara currently is studying with Professor Colette McKay‘s team and his PhD project is titled: “Using fNIRS to explore language development in infants”. The focus of this research is to develop novel techniques to measure functional connectivity in language areas of the brain using fNIRS to better understand how hearing impairment affects language development in infants.
In the same month, Ajmal Azees won the RMIT round of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) People’s Choice Award.
Ajmal claimed the award for a video on his PhD project titled: “Combining optogenetic stimulation and electrical stimulation to enhance spatial resolution of neural stimulation”.
This competition is designed to test the students ability to communicate their science orally, cultivating the students academic, presentation and research communication skills
“I feel very proud on being awarded with People’s Choice Award at the 3-minute Thesis Competition organized by RMIT University,” said Ajmal.
“By presenting at 3 Minute Thesis , my confidence has been boosted and I will be able to present to technical audience and non technical audience with more enthusiasm to create more awareness about my research. Also it feels very satisfying and encouraging to do more research when someone acknowledges our research works.”
Ajmal’s PhD project at the Bionics Institute investigates the efficacy of a hybrid neural stimulation device that combines light emitting diodes (LEDs) and platinum electrodes to harness the precision of optogenetic stimulation while maintaining the efficiency and speed of electrical stimulation.
About the Girls in STEM program.
The Bionics Institute is passionate about inspiring young women to choose a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Recent government research shows that the proportion of women working across all STEM-qualified industries has increased from 24% in 2016 to 28% in 2020.
While this is a great improvement, the report says significantly more change is needed to achieve gender equity in STEM in Australia by 2030.
Following the success of our inaugural Girls in STEM Mentoring Program in partnership with Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School, which has been running since 2019, Bionics Institute CEO Robert Klupacs aims to expand this program across more schools over the next few years.
You might be interested in…
Measuring tinnitus – detecting an invisible condition Event
Our 2022 ‘Measuring tinnitus – detecting an invisible condition’ event gave an insight into our ground-breaking research into a new device to assist in the detection of tinnitus; information about the disease and the experiences of a patient with severe tinnitus.
Speakers
Professor James Fallon: Chief Technology Officer and Head of Research Operations at the Bionics Institute
Dr Mehrnaz Shoushtarian: Research Fellow at the Bionics Institute
Dr Sol Marghzar: Doctor of audiology and clinical director of ‘The Hearing Doctor’ in California
Ms Victoria Didenko: Patient who shares her experience of being diagnosed and living with tinnitus.
Our new diagnostic tool for tinnitus
The Bionics Institute are developing an objective test of tinnitus, to aid diagnosis; facilitate more accurate symptom monitoring, and accelerate development of new treatments.
The test uses technology called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to track changes in brain activity and a special cap is used to shine near-infrared light over the head while listening to sounds
Measurements of the light reflected back into sensors in the cap indicate variations in blood oxygen which are analysed using software.
The results of research studies have shown measurable differences between people with and without tinnitus, and distinguishing between subjective severities.
Find out more about our device to establish an objective measure of tinnitus
Watch our ‘Measuring tinnitus- detecting an invisible condition’ event
You might be interested in…
Rethinking Rheumatoid Arthritis Event
Our 2021 Rethinking Rheumatoid Arthritis Event gave an insight into our ground-breaking research into a new device to reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis; information about the disease; and tips from a hand therapist.
Speakers
Professor James Fallon: Chief Technology Officer and Head of Research Operations at the Bionics Institute
Dr Sophie Payne: Research Fellow at the Bionics Institute
Associate Professor Evange Romas: Director of Rheumatology at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
Mr Nick Antoniou: Hand Therapist who treats patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Our device to treat rheumatoid arthritis
Bionics Institute researchers have developed a small electrical device that stimulates the vagus nerve to reduce inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
The vagus nerve runs from the brain to the gut with branches to several organs, including the lungs and the heart. Among many other functions, it controls the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response.
Powered by a battery that sits under the skin at hip level, the groundbreaking device has been designed to stimulate the vagus nerve, as needed, to dampen the body’s overactive immune response and prevent long-term damage.
Currently in the early stages of development, the device will eventually be implanted into people with drug-resistant rheumatoid arthritis using key-hole surgery.
Unlike devices under development elsewhere the device is implanted at abdominal level, rather than at the neck level, which means there are no effects on the lungs or the heart.
As the stimulation kickstarts the body’s natural mechanisms, people with rheumatoid arthritis will not experience the side effects associated with current drug therapies.
Find out more about our rheumatoid arthritis device here
Event highlights
Dr Sophie Payne introduces the drug-free treatment being developed
Dr Evange Romas looks in detail at the current treatments available for rheumatoid arthritis
Professor James Fallon explains how the Bionics Institute became involved in arthritis research
Nick Antoniou shares his insights into how hand therapy can play a part in managing rheumatoid arthritis
You might be interested in…
Awards aplenty for Bionics Institute PhD students
Bionics Institute PhD candidates, Ishara Paranawithana and Ajmal Azeez have been recognised by separate institutions for their early research talent.
In August, Ishara Paranawithana was awarded a prestigious MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship.
Supported by the MedTech Actuator and the Menzies Foundation, 10 high potential PhD researchers are awarded a MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship annually to support their academic development.
“Applying for the MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship allowed me to see the big picture of my PhD research, understand my potential, and the impact I can make through medical research to transform the lives of many people,” said Ishara.
“I’m excited to learn new skills and knowledge around research translation and commercialisation, and expand my network to expose myself to better opportunities in med tech field in the future. I’m also keen to make the most out of this learning opportunity to further my understanding about Australia’s med tech start-up ecosystem.”
Ishara currently is studying with Professor Colette McKay‘s team and his PhD project is titled: “Using fNIRS to explore language development in infants”. The focus of this research is to develop novel techniques to measure functional connectivity in language areas of the brain using fNIRS to better understand how hearing impairment affects language development in infants.
In the same month, Ajmal Azees won the RMIT round of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) People’s Choice Award.
Ajmal claimed the award for a video on his PhD project titled: “Combining optogenetic stimulation and electrical stimulation to enhance spatial resolution of neural stimulation”.
This competition is designed to test the students ability to communicate their science orally, cultivating the students academic, presentation and research communication skills
“I feel very proud on being awarded with People’s Choice Award at the 3-minute Thesis Competition organized by RMIT University,” said Ajmal.
“By presenting at 3 Minute Thesis , my confidence has been boosted and I will be able to present to technical audience and non technical audience with more enthusiasm to create more awareness about my research. Also it feels very satisfying and encouraging to do more research when someone acknowledges our research works.”
Ajmal’s PhD project at the Bionics Institute investigates the efficacy of a hybrid neural stimulation device that combines light emitting diodes (LEDs) and platinum electrodes to harness the precision of optogenetic stimulation while maintaining the efficiency and speed of electrical stimulation.
You might be interested in…
Awards aplenty for Bionics Institute PhD students
Bionics Institute PhD candidates, Ishara Paranawithana and Ajmal Azeez have been recognised by separate institutions for their early research talent.
In August, Ishara Paranawithana was awarded a prestigious MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship.
Supported by the MedTech Actuator and the Menzies Foundation, 10 high potential PhD researchers are awarded a MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship annually to support their academic development.
“Applying for the MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship allowed me to see the big picture of my PhD research, understand my potential, and the impact I can make through medical research to transform the lives of many people,” said Ishara.
“I’m excited to learn new skills and knowledge around research translation and commercialisation, and expand my network to expose myself to better opportunities in med tech field in the future. I’m also keen to make the most out of this learning opportunity to further my understanding about Australia’s med tech start-up ecosystem.”
Ishara currently is studying with Professor Colette McKay‘s team and his PhD project is titled: “Using fNIRS to explore language development in infants”. The focus of this research is to develop novel techniques to measure functional connectivity in language areas of the brain using fNIRS to better understand how hearing impairment affects language development in infants.
In the same month, Ajmal Azees won the RMIT round of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) People’s Choice Award.
Ajmal claimed the award for a video on his PhD project titled: “Combining optogenetic stimulation and electrical stimulation to enhance spatial resolution of neural stimulation”.
This competition is designed to test the students ability to communicate their science orally, cultivating the students academic, presentation and research communication skills
“I feel very proud on being awarded with People’s Choice Award at the 3-minute Thesis Competition organized by RMIT University,” said Ajmal.
“By presenting at 3 Minute Thesis , my confidence has been boosted and I will be able to present to technical audience and non technical audience with more enthusiasm to create more awareness about my research. Also it feels very satisfying and encouraging to do more research when someone acknowledges our research works.”
Ajmal’s PhD project at the Bionics Institute investigates the efficacy of a hybrid neural stimulation device that combines light emitting diodes (LEDs) and platinum electrodes to harness the precision of optogenetic stimulation while maintaining the efficiency and speed of electrical stimulation.
I think it’s really good for young scientists and people who have a passion for science to see how science can be applied and how it can influence.
After discovering a passion for science at high school, Emily completed a Bachelor of Science at Melbourne University, specialising in biochemistry and molecular biology.
Having prominent female role models in science motivated her to move to this career.
“I did science all through school, so it kind of started there.
“it’s pretty cool to have lots of influential women throughout STEM.”
Emily is excited about learning from Associate Professor Gérard Loquet, who currently holds an honorary principal fellowship at the University of Melbourne and has authored over 30 peer-reviewed scientific papers
“I googled his work and was blown away,” Emily said.
“I feel very lucky (to work under Gérard).”
Emily’s internship at the Bionics Institute will assist her to pursue a career in pharmacovigilance, where she hopes to facilitate the development of pharmaceuticals and medical devices from R&D stage to the market.
Meet our Girls in STEM Mentors
You might be interested in…
Awards aplenty for Bionics Institute PhD students
Bionics Institute PhD candidates, Ishara Paranawithana and Ajmal Azeez have been recognised by separate institutions for their early research talent.
In August, Ishara Paranawithana was awarded a prestigious MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship.
Supported by the MedTech Actuator and the Menzies Foundation, 10 high potential PhD researchers are awarded a MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship annually to support their academic development.
“Applying for the MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship allowed me to see the big picture of my PhD research, understand my potential, and the impact I can make through medical research to transform the lives of many people,” said Ishara.
“I’m excited to learn new skills and knowledge around research translation and commercialisation, and expand my network to expose myself to better opportunities in med tech field in the future. I’m also keen to make the most out of this learning opportunity to further my understanding about Australia’s med tech start-up ecosystem.”
Ishara currently is studying with Professor Colette McKay‘s team and his PhD project is titled: “Using fNIRS to explore language development in infants”. The focus of this research is to develop novel techniques to measure functional connectivity in language areas of the brain using fNIRS to better understand how hearing impairment affects language development in infants.
In the same month, Ajmal Azees won the RMIT round of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) People’s Choice Award.
Ajmal claimed the award for a video on his PhD project titled: “Combining optogenetic stimulation and electrical stimulation to enhance spatial resolution of neural stimulation”.
This competition is designed to test the students ability to communicate their science orally, cultivating the students academic, presentation and research communication skills
“I feel very proud on being awarded with People’s Choice Award at the 3-minute Thesis Competition organized by RMIT University,” said Ajmal.
“By presenting at 3 Minute Thesis , my confidence has been boosted and I will be able to present to technical audience and non technical audience with more enthusiasm to create more awareness about my research. Also it feels very satisfying and encouraging to do more research when someone acknowledges our research works.”
Ajmal’s PhD project at the Bionics Institute investigates the efficacy of a hybrid neural stimulation device that combines light emitting diodes (LEDs) and platinum electrodes to harness the precision of optogenetic stimulation while maintaining the efficiency and speed of electrical stimulation.
Ms Hannah Crawford
Ms Hannah Crawford is an experienced finance executive and board member. Commencing her career at Ernst & Young and Arthur Andersen, Hannah was a Director of Grant Samuel for 14 years, providing strategic financial advice to a range of high profile companies. Hannah says: “I feel extremely privileged to have the opportunity to work with the dedicated management team and Board of the Bionics Institute and look forward to contributing to the outstanding work to help transform people’s lives”.
Ms Sujata Stead
Ms Sujata Stead is CEO of Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment, a company that has seen 1200% growth under her leadership and transforming its product, the Occupational English Test into a global leader in healthcare language assessment. Sujata says: “I am looking forward to working closely with the Bionics Institute Board and management team to ensure that life-changing medical devices are translated into clinical practice for the benefit of patients worldwide.”
Mr Mike Younger
Mr Mike Younger is a Portfolio Manager at Prime Value Asset Management having held roles in his area of expertise, small and micro cap equity funds management at Rest Super, Goldman Sachs and Citigroup. He says: “I am delighted to join the Board of the Bionics Institute at such an exciting time in its history, as it embarks on the development and commercialisation of several treatments that will prove life-changing for so many afflicted people around the world.”
You might be interested in…
Awards aplenty for Bionics Institute PhD students
Bionics Institute PhD candidates, Ishara Paranawithana and Ajmal Azeez have been recognised by separate institutions for their early research talent.
In August, Ishara Paranawithana was awarded a prestigious MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship.
Supported by the MedTech Actuator and the Menzies Foundation, 10 high potential PhD researchers are awarded a MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship annually to support their academic development.
“Applying for the MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship allowed me to see the big picture of my PhD research, understand my potential, and the impact I can make through medical research to transform the lives of many people,” said Ishara.
“I’m excited to learn new skills and knowledge around research translation and commercialisation, and expand my network to expose myself to better opportunities in med tech field in the future. I’m also keen to make the most out of this learning opportunity to further my understanding about Australia’s med tech start-up ecosystem.”
Ishara currently is studying with Professor Colette McKay‘s team and his PhD project is titled: “Using fNIRS to explore language development in infants”. The focus of this research is to develop novel techniques to measure functional connectivity in language areas of the brain using fNIRS to better understand how hearing impairment affects language development in infants.
In the same month, Ajmal Azees won the RMIT round of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) People’s Choice Award.
Ajmal claimed the award for a video on his PhD project titled: “Combining optogenetic stimulation and electrical stimulation to enhance spatial resolution of neural stimulation”.
This competition is designed to test the students ability to communicate their science orally, cultivating the students academic, presentation and research communication skills
“I feel very proud on being awarded with People’s Choice Award at the 3-minute Thesis Competition organized by RMIT University,” said Ajmal.
“By presenting at 3 Minute Thesis , my confidence has been boosted and I will be able to present to technical audience and non technical audience with more enthusiasm to create more awareness about my research. Also it feels very satisfying and encouraging to do more research when someone acknowledges our research works.”
Ajmal’s PhD project at the Bionics Institute investigates the efficacy of a hybrid neural stimulation device that combines light emitting diodes (LEDs) and platinum electrodes to harness the precision of optogenetic stimulation while maintaining the efficiency and speed of electrical stimulation.
After discovering a passion for science at high school, Emily completed a Bachelor of Science at Melbourne University, specialising in biochemistry and molecular biology.
Having prominent female role models in science motivated her to move to this career.
“I did science all through school, so it kind of started there.
“it’s pretty cool to have lots of influential women throughout STEM.”
Emily is excited about learning from Associate Professor Gérard Loquet, who currently holds an honorary principal fellowship at the University of Melbourne and has authored over 30 peer-reviewed scientific papers
“I googled his work and was blown away,” Emily said.
“I feel very lucky (to work under Gérard).”
Emily’s internship at the Bionics Institute will assist her to pursue a career in pharmacovigilance, where she hopes to facilitate the development of pharmaceuticals and medical devices from R&D stage to the market.
Pioneering innovation
Bionics Institute CEO Robert Klupacs says the test is an excellent example of bioengineering innovation at its best.
He explained: “Dr Shoushtarian’s team uses a technology called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a non-invasive brain imaging technique that measures blood oxygen changes in the brain.
“Her team has shown that we can diagnose tinnitus with incredible accuracy in a small clinical study. We are now seeking funding to develop a portable version with easy-to-use software that can be trialed for use in clinics in Australia and around the world.”
He encourages everyone to show their support for people like Deb, and help the Bionics Institute get this test into clinics as soon as possible by donating to the Bionics Institute.
The fNIRS cap used to measure blood oxygen changes in the brain
About the technology
The new diagnostic test imaging device shines near infra-red light over the head using light sources set into a cap. The brain’s blood oxygen levels effect the amount of light reflected back, which is measured by detectors in the cap. The reflex light is analysed using a special algorithm to provide detailed information on brain activity. The device is portable, non-radioactive, quiet and safe to use with implanted devices such as pacemakers.
Did you miss our recent event?
This exciting new test was the focus of the Bionics Institute’s recent event ‘Measuring tinnitus – detecting an invisible condition’.
In our recorded webinar, you’ll learn more about Dr Shoushtarian’s research, and hear from guest speakers Dr Sol Marghzar, doctor of audiology and clinical director of ‘The Hearing Doctor’ in California; Bionics Institute’s Professor James Fallon; and Victoria Didenko, who shares her experience of being diagnosed and living with tinnitus.