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Scientists form a global alliance for nanobio-electronics to rapidly find solutions for neurological disorders
(Nanowerk News) The Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics (SBMT) announced today that the organization will hold its 9th Annual World Congress on Brain, Spinal Cord Mapping, and Image Guided Therapy from June 2-4, 2012 in Toronto, Canada. The world's top brain and spinal cord scientists and surgeons will converge on the Toronto Metro Convention Center to find solutions to some of the most difficult to treat neurological disorders, including traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, and neurological cancers.
The 2012 World Congress of SBMT is jointly supported by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Government of Canada, the University of Toronto, and MaRS innovation; it is endorsed by the International Society for Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Medicine.
The theme of this year's World Congress is "Nano-Bio-Electronics," which focuses on the integration of nanotechnology, stem cell research, and biomedical engineering, and imaging of the brain and spinal cord to make progress in the fight against neurological diseases. The aim of the Congress is to provide a multidisciplinary forum for health professionals in the fields of neurosurgery, neurology, psychiatry, radiology, neuroscience, engineering, as well as policymakers, to collaborate as a global alliance to rapidly advance treatment of neurological disorders.
"The meeting will help us kick start a unique and efficient consortium, which will unite scientists and consolidate resources in order to help us quickly come up with solutions for the devastating neurological diseases affecting millions and costing billions in the US alone," said Babak Kateb, Chairman of the Board of SBMT, President of the Brain Mapping Foundation, and Director of the National Center for Nano-Bio-Electronics (NCNBE). Dr. Kateb states, "The purpose of the Nano-Bio-Electronic alliance is to facilitate integration of nanotechnology, Stem cell and cellular therapy with medical devices and imaging. This consortium will impact global biomedical science and healthcare delivery through national and international partnerships with governments, universities, leading organizations and industries."
Among the notable participants of the 2012 World Congress includes Canadian Surgeon General Hans W. Jung, U.S. Navy Surgeon General Matthew Nathan, and Canadian Parliament Member Kirsty Duncan. Dr. Duncan, an advocate for brain research in Canada and a global voice for neuroscience initiatives, stated "I am honored to participate in this important conference. It is vital that we work to enhance our understanding of brain health through research and collaboration." She added, "We must also affirm our commitment to improving the quality of life of those who live with a brain condition and of their families and informal caregivers."
Toronto was chosen for this year's meeting because of the city's strong and globally-connected network of neuroscientists, biomedical engineers, and investors in the biomedical and nanotechnology fields. Michael Fehlings, chairman of the local organizing committee, Professor of Neurosurgery, and Director of the Neuroscience Program at the University of Toronto, said "The meeting will showcase Canadian and international neuroscience talent in a broad range of disciplines and will highlight the latest advances in imaging, molecular and cellular mechanisms, bioengineering and surgical intervention."
Parimal Nathwani, Vice President of MaRS Innovation, added, "Forums like this represent an excellent opportunity for reviewing technologies and supporting collaboration across different institutions for more effective translation and commercialization opportunity."
The 9th Annual World Congress is still accepting abstract proposals for the meeting's workshops, lectures, and presentation sessions. Abstract submission is open now until March 15th 2012.
For the full list of 2012 speakers to register, or support of the 9th Annual World Congress of SBMT on Brain, Spinal Cord Mapping, and Image-Guided Therapy, please visit www.worldbrainmapping.org or call (310) 500-6196.
Society of Brain Mapping and TherapeuticsSBMT is a non-profit society organized for the purpose of encouraging basic and clinical scientists who are interested in areas of Brain Mapping and Intra-operative Surgical planning to improve the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients afflicted with neurological disorders.
This society promotes the public welfare and improves patient care through the translation of new technologies into life saving diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The society is committed to excellence in education, and scientific discovery. The society achieves its mission through multi-disciplinary collaborations with government agencies, patient advocacy groups, educational institutes and private sector (industry) as well as philanthropic organization.
Source: Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics