TechEn Awarded DARPA Funding to Advance Brain Monitoring Device.Business Editors/High-Tech Writers BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 25, 2004 TechEn Inc. has received funding from DARPA DARPA: see Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) The name given to the U.S. Advanced Research Projects Agency during the 1980s. It was later renamed back to ARPA. (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), U.S. government agency administered by the Department of Defense (see Defense, United States Department of). ) for the development of Continuous Brain Monitoring. TechEn, an electronic design center, received the award for advanced research and further development of a real-time, wireless brain monitoring device, which utilizes near-infrared spectroscopy technology (NIRS NIRS Near Infrared Spectroscopy NIRS Nuclear Information and Resource Service NIRS Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy NIRS National Institute of Radiological Science NIRS National Information and Reporting System NIRS National Informatics Recognition System ). The device measures the change in blood oxygen, allowing researchers to monitor brain activity non-invasively and continuously. This technology offers significant potential for improved understanding of brain functions and medical disorders, ranging from stroke rehabilitation to depression. With over one billion nerve cells in the brain, medical researchers collect and analyze massive amounts of data, often requiring patients to remain motionless as in an MRI 1. (application) MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging. 2. MRI - Measurement Requirements and Interface. . TechEn's device allows patients to be more comfortable and even mobile, performing various functions as the device collects data continuously in real time. This allows researchers to study how specific events affect activity in the brain. William Johnson, Chief Technology Officer of TechEn, commented on the work, "The funding provided by DARPA represents significant investment, paving the way for breakthroughs in brain research. Within a very short period of time, we have made great strides in technological advancements in brain monitoring instruments." TechEn's CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. , Buzz DiMartino, added, "this technology has many non-medical applications as well, including diverse opportunities in market research, security and stress management. This award further confirms DARPA's commitment to advancing technology for cutting edge solutions." TechEn is working in collaboration with Dr. David Boas Bo·as , Franz 1858-1942. German-born American anthropologist who emphasized the systematic analysis of culture and language structures. , Assistant Professor of Radiology, Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School (HMS) is one of the graduate schools of Harvard University. It is a prestigious American medical school located in the Longwood Medical Area of the Mission Hill neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. , Massachusetts General Hospital-Martinos Center, Optical Imaging Laboratory. About TechEn TechEn is a full-service Electronic Product Design Center with capabilities ranging from technology design to product manufacturing. TechEn's core competencies include hardware and mixed signal design, PCB PCB: see polychlorinated biphenyl. PCB in full polychlorinated biphenyl Any of a class of highly stable organic compounds prepared by the reaction of chlorine with biphenyl, a two-ring compound. development, wireless technology, embedded firmware and software. TechEn is a third party developer for Analog Devices, ATMEL, TI and Microchip. Since 1982, TechEn has worked with medical, consumer and industrial clients, successfully developing products requiring advanced custom technology. About DARPA DARPA is the central research and development organization for the Department of Defense (DoD). It manages and directs selected basic and applied R&D projects for DoD. DARPA pursues research and technology, where risk and payoff are both very high and where success may provide dramatic advances for traditional military roles and missions. |
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