CNRM Scientific Core Facilities

The CNRM broadly involves multiple coordinated avenues to improve TBI recovery. The CNRM views a highly collaborative team approach to be of most benefit and aims to stimulate innovative research developed from the collective expertise within and among research programs. In keeping with such aims, the CNRM has established eleven scientific core facilities to augment the existing research capacities of CNRM investigators and CNRM sites. Click on any of the core services below for more information.

Image Processing Core

Offers an array of services including: data anonymization and quality control, DICOM-compliant image data repository, image pre-processing and manipulation, image registration and enhancement, quantitative structural image analysis, and localization of lesions and other regions of brain injury.

Informatics Core

Provides services such as electronic data capture and reporting for clinical protocols, participation in national TBI research and data repository community, research computing infrastructure, intergration of CNRM technology requirements, and maintenance of CNRM central data repository.

Translational Imaging Core

Provides state-of-the-art neuroimaging techniques to support in vivo pre-clinical assessments.

Human Imaging Core

Offers assisted/guided use of CNRM clinical imaging infrastructure, including a Siemens Verio 3T MRI scanner and a Siemens mCT PET/CT scanner at the NIH Clinical Center.

Clinical Biomarkers Core

Collects and stores biospeciman samples from participating CNRM clinical sites in a maintained storage facility. Coordinates with the respective IRBs and the Informatics core to store and maintain samples for CNRM investigator use.

Pre-Clinical Models for TBI and Behavioral Assessments Core

Offers pre-clinical research services such as behavioral assessments, support for TBI models, computer analyses, and coordination of pre-clinical activities across CNRM research protocols.

Neuropathology Core

Serves as a resource to increase the quality, capacity, and collaborative potential of the neuropathological analysis that is a key element of the CNRM Research Programs. Offers investigators use of the BIC Histopathology core for services such as paraffin-embedding and cutting through routine histological staining as well as custom and special stains. Maintains an Olympus Nanozoomer RS digital pathology ("Virtual Microscopy") system for capability to digitize brightfield and fluorescently labeled slides. Twinbrook facility offers capability to collect, stain and digitize human TBI specimens as well as provides CNRM investigators access to advanced specimen imaging resources and expertise. Maintains Olympus Nanozoomer HT digital pathology system to enable high throughput processing of the volume of specimens required for optimizing research interactions.

Microscopy Core

Offers supporting services such as 2-Photon microscope/electrophysiology, Zeiss AxioImager M2 upright microscope and "Stereo Investigator" software, and Biolistic Transfection using the Helios Gene-Gun® (Bio-Rad) system.

Recruitment Core

Supports patient recruitment for research studies between the collaborating agencies of the DOD and the NIH. Designed to coordinate and combine patient recruitment into one administrative activity, use CNRM personnel and resources more effectively, and minimize the burden on TBI patients.

Phenotyping Core

Designed to determine the phenotypic expression of the entire spectrum of TBI. Provides a full assessment of neurologic and cognitive function along with social and emotional indicators of psychological health.

Access to the use of these cores is subject to CNRM review and chargeback fees may apply.