Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for determining the presence and location of abnormal or pathological tissue, for identifying and mapping the margins of abnormal tissue, such as tumor tissue during surgical or diagnostic procedures, and for grading and characterizing tumor tissue by detecting changes in the optical properties of spatially defined areas of an area of interest following administration of a contrast enhancing agent.

Abstract: Methods for optically detecting physiological properties in an area of interest by detecting changes in the intrinsic or extrinsic optical properties of tissue in the area of interest are disclosed. The present invention optically detects blood flow changes, blood characteristics and blood vessel abnormalities, as well as determining the presence and location of abnormal or pathological tissue for identifying and mapping the margins of abnormal tissue, such as tumor tissue during surgical or diagnostic procedures, and for grading and characterizing tumor tissue. The present invention also provides systems and methods for distinguishing neuronal tissue from surrounding tissue, for distinguishing functional neuronal tissue from dysfunctional tissue, and for imaging functional neuronal areas in the cortex. Methods and systems of the present invention may be implemented using a contrast enhancing agent or by stimulation of activity.

Abstract: Optical detection techniques for the assessment of the physiological state, health and/or viability of biological materials are provided. Biological materials which may be examined using such techniques include cells, tissues, organs and subcellular components. The inventive techniques may be employed in high throughput screening of potential diagnostic and/or therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treating selected conditions of the central and peripheral nervous systems employing non-synaptic mechanisms. More specifically, one aspect of the present invention relates to methods and materials for treating seizure and seizure disorders, epilepsy, status epilepticus, migraine, spreading depression, intracranial hypertension; for treating the pathophysiological effects of head trauma, stroke, ischemia and hypoxia; for treating or protecting from the pathophysiological effects of neurotoxic agents such as ethanol; and for treating neurophsyciatric disorders and central nervous system edema by administering agents that modulate ionic concentrations and/or ionic gradients in the brain, particularly ion-dependent or cation-chloride cotransporter antagonists. Ion-dependent cotransport antagonists and combinations of such compositions with other agents for treating various conditions are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treating selected conditions of the central and peripheral nervous systems employing non-synaptic mechanisms. More specifically, one aspect of the present invention relates to methods and materials for treating seizure and seizure disorders, epilepsy, status epilepticus, migraine, spreading depression, intracranial hypertension; for treating the pathophysiological effects of head trauma, stroke, ischemia and hypoxia; for treating or protecting from the pathophysiological effects of neurotoxic agents such as ethanol; and for treating neurophsyciatric disorders and central nervous system edema by administering agents that modulate ionic concentrations and/or ionic gradients in the brain, particularly ion-dependent or cation-chloride cotransporter antagonists. Electrolyte cotransport antagonists and combinations of such compositions with other agents for treating various conditions are disclosed.

Abstract: Optical detection techniques for the assessment of the physiological state, health and/or viability of biological materials are provided. Biological materials which may be examined using such techniques include cells, tissues, organs and subcellular components. The inventive techniques may be employed in high throughput screening of potential diagnostic and/or therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Optical detection techniques for the assessment of the physiological state, health and/or viability of biological materials are provided. Biological materials which may be examined using such techniques include cells, tissues, organs and subcellular components. The inventive techniques may be employed in high throughput screening of potential diagnostic and/or therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Optical detection techniques for the assessment of the physiological state, health and/or viability of biological materials are provided. Biological materials which may be examined using such techniques include cells, tissues, organs and subcellular components. The inventive techniques may be employed in high throughput screening of potential diagnostic and/or therapeutic agents.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for screening drug candidate compounds for anti-epileptic activity, a method for screening drug candidate compounds for activity to prevent or treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, and a method for determining cell viability and health of living cells inside polymeric tissue implants.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for screening drug candidate compounds for anti-epileptic activity, a method for screening drug candidate compounds for activity to prevent or treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, and a method for determining cell viability and health of living cells inside polymeric tissue implants.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a method and apparatus are disclosed for real time imaging of functional activity in cortical areas of a mammalian brain using intrinsic signals. The present invention enables dynamic, on-line imaging of, for example, a human brain during neurosurgery to permit more accurate identification of dysfunctional cortical areas. Cortical areas are identified on the basis of stimulus evoked changes which occur in the optical properties of the brain so that real time localization of seizure (e.g., epileptic seizure) foci and functional mapping can be observed during neurosurgery. Areas of pathological tissue such as epileptic foci and tumors can thus be identified and removed during neurosurgery without damaging important functional areas in the cortex near the tissue.