Similar possibilities are obtained with the magnetic resonance imaging technique. Laser technology has made it possible to measure and image micro-circulatory blood flow. Initially the Forum project within this area will be Flow simulation in the heart and larger vessels including experimental modelling and computer simulation of 2- and 3D flow in the heart and the vascular tree. A future possibility is related to Assessment of brain blood flow by laser doppler perfusing imaging with the aim to visualise and assess the brain blood flow in animals and humans during different physiological conditions. This emerging technology is to be adopted and used for studies of the micro vascular perfusion of the exposed brain tissue, leading to new knowledge about the blood flow regulation of the brain.
Receptor proteins are responsible for detecting, decoding and transducing signals into the cells.
We have previously shown how pigment containing cells, so-called melanophores, can be used for biosensing purposes. Other cells suitable for studies of receptor-mediated phenomena are muscle cells and platelets. Studies related to pharmacological and biochemical characterisation of cell systems including cell culturing, mapping of receptor-systems as well as investigations of receptors, messenger pathways, cloning and receptor engineering are planned. Such sensors can in the future facilitate diagnosis in home and primary health care. The combination of fibre optics with optical changes in cells and tissue is an interesting possibility.