MEG Technology Advances Treatment for Patients with Epilepsy

New magnetoencephalography unit at HMRI allows brain mapping for epilepsy research by Drs. William Sutherling, Adam Mamelak and colleagues.  MEG helps locate areas of epileptic activity in the brain, providing greater accuracy for image-guided neurosurgical treatment.

MRS SHOWS HOW KETOGENIC DIET CONTROLS EPILEPSY

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy technology at HMRI, under the direction of Dr. Brian Ross, analyzes the brain metabolism of epileptic patients who show improvement while following a ketogenic diet. This is an exacting high-fat, low-carbohydrate regimen which results in high concentrations of ketones in the body, helping to control the frequency and severity of seizures. 

Brain Imaging:  Form and Function

Neurosurgical Fellow Dr. David Dubowitz uses functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to study brain activity and increase understanding of the physiology of neural function.  The process works by taking many thousands of images in quick succession and observing how the microscopic circulation of the brain changes over time.

HMRI LOSES A VALUED FRIEND AND SCIENTIST - Arcadi Guided Prostate Studies Into Clinical Trials

John Arcadi, M.D., research urologist who discovered the cancer fighting properties of the compound Rhodamine-123, died in July 1999, shortly after launching the current Phase I clinical trials of Rh-123 for use against prostate cancer with Dr. Lawrence Jones.

UPDATE ­­ Rhodamine-123 Clinical Trials

This Phase I toxicity study of Rh-123 for hormone refractory metastatic prostate cancer is supervised by the US Food and Drug Administration and is funded in part by a grant from the California Cancer Research Program.  Physicians or potential volunteers are asked to call program coordinator Cecile Vergon at (626) 535-2421.

SUMMER BRINGS STUDENTS TO HMRI LABS

Students from all over the United States gained valuable experience working side-by-side with HMRI scientists in the annual Summer Student Research Program.  For information call (626) 795-4343.

HMRI and HMH Celebrate with Dr. Richard Bing

Dr. Richard Bing received 90th birthday tributes from friends, family, colleagues and civic leaders at an Oktoberfest sponsored by HMRI and Huntington Hospital.

Golf Links Guild and Friends to Medical Research

The 1999 Lynn Smith Memorial Golf Tournament, presented by the Altadena Guild of Huntington Memorial Hospital, raised more than $43,000 for HMRI.  Sponsors, winning teams and members of the tournament committee are acknowledged in this article.

HMRI EMPLOYEES ARE HONORED FOR YEARS OF SERVICE

Scientists and staff members were honored for more 190 years of combined service to HMRI at a luncheon for all employees provided by members of the Altadena Guild.  Those honored were:  Yasushi Ohnuki, Ph.D., Richard Bing, M.D., Sankara Narayan, Ph.D., Lawrence Jones, M.D., Victoria Cheng, Douglas McCreery, Ph.D., Keiko Kanamori, Ph.D., Clarence Graham, Stefan Bluml, Ph.D.