Brain Function Analysis & Digital Medicine Research Institute, Showa University

Since brain dysfunction can occur even in the absence of obvious organic changes in the brain, there are many cases in which appropriate diagnosis and therapeutic intervention fail to be achieved. Epilepsy is a typical example. We have developed a special EEG analysis technique and have shown that it is possible to accurately locate epileptic lesions from EEG data. Research is also beginning to apply this technology to the treatment of mild dementia and depression, etc.

These achievements are the result of the digitalization of EEG information. Today, a variety of medical information is being digitized, and the potential for new findings and inventions is increasing with the use of appropriate Dx and AI. Recently, it was shown that 3D images based on human brain physiology can be output in real time from 2D images by utilizing AI. Such technological development will be useful for medical education that requires 3D interpretation. It is also expected to lead to remote robotic surgery and real-time analysis technology of drug 3D structures.

The institute will develop "innovative and clinically-directed brain function analysis and digital medical research.

Project

■In collaboration with the Department of Neurosurgery, Showa University School of Medicine, we will conduct a detailed examination of brain tissue collected during neurosurgery and compare and investigate the results of special EEG analysis and lesion examination. We will develop techniques to visualize functional and dysfunctional areas as well as lesions that cannot be evaluated by conventional methods, leading to the practice of neurosurgery with high safety and reliability.

■We will conduct research on diagnosis and disease state evaluation in neuropsychiatric disorders such as dementia and depression using special EEG analysis in collaboration with not only neurosurgery but also neurology, psychiatry, and all other departments and facilities involved in the treatment of brain dysfunction.

■We will work on research and development of technologies that can visualize human sensory and emotional information by applying special EEG analysis. For example, if pain sensation can be visualized, it will be possible to monitor patients suffering from pain for diagnosis and treatment. In addition, we will conduct research on the development of a Brain Machine Interface that connects the brain of patients who are unable to communicate through language or movement with machines. We will conduct joint research with various industrial sectors involved in medicine and healthcare.

■We aim to establish a glasses-free 3D display medical education and medical care system with real-time stereoscopic image conversion using AI. In medical education for students and doctors in medical, pharmaceutical, and dental schools, the system will promote active learning of contents that require stereoscopic interpretation (e.g. anatomy) and shorten the learning curve. In clinical practice, it facilitates diagnosis and understanding of lesions that require stereoscopic interpretation, and contributes to skill improvement and safety enhancement in surgery. This will lead to the development of glasses-free 3D monitors for remote robotic surgery and remote diagnosis using AI.

■We will study a three-dimensional recognition system for drug structures through software development and the use of AI. By developing an advanced three-dimensional recognition system, it will be possible to instantly identify and sort drugs with different pharmacological effects depending on their structures. In collaboration with the Faculty of Pharmacy and the pharmaceutical industry, this research will lead to drug structure analysis and drug discovery technologies that make full use of digital technology.

EducationSince we develop cross-disciplinary projects that cross departmental and faculty boundaries, we provide research guidance and education for researchers and graduate students from a variety of fields, emphasizing collaboration with multiple disciplines. In addition to education in research-related knowledge and skills, the program fosters next-generation human resources capable of conducting medical research directly related to clinical practice, with an emphasis on research ethics and medical literacy.
International Collaboration
We will develop projects in collaboration with researchers around the world, taking advantage of exchanges with universities and facilities in the US, North America, South America, Europe, Central Asia, and other regions. In cooperation with the Showa University International Center, we actively accept international students from abroad and promote global research projects.

Team