Biomedical Imaging Laboratory (BMIL)

The Biomedical Imaging Laboratory (BMIL) is headed by Professor David L. Wilson, PhD, in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University.

Here, our research team conducts premedically and medically relevant research in imaging science and offers training to students. Our laboratory has projects funded by research grants from National Institutes of Health and the Whitaker Foundation.

Cross section image of a mouse
Bright field cryo-image of a whole mouse

We also have several graduate students conducting ground-breaking research in the field of image processing. State-of-the-art computing facilities are available, including a number of workstations with programs such as Amira, Matlab, and Analyze, as well as several custom applications developed within the lab. We work closely with the Case Center for Imaging Research, which houses state-of-the-art imaging facilities for both human and small animal MRI, CT, PET, SPECT, and small animal bioluminescence and cryo-imaging.

Cryo-imaging is a novel method developed in Dr. Wilson's laboratory that serially sections and images the block face of a frozen specimen, providing ultra-high-resolution RGB and fluorescence volumes. It consists of a mouse-sized cryomicrotome; microscope; low light camera; three-axis robotic positioning system; and automation, visualization, and analysis software. The development of new technology in conjunction with further advances in established imaging applications puts the Biomedical Imaging Laboratory on the forefront of imaging science.

3D visualization of a whole mouse with cutaway depicting tissue and bone
3D visualization of a whole mouse

Cryo-imaging enables high-resolution 3-D color imaging in bright field and fluorescence with the acquisition of several slices, such as the one pictured above, at 10-40 micrometer intervals.