Biological Function Engineering (Kobayashi Lab)

Exploration of brain and biological functions to make contributions to engineering, medicine, and welfare

We are engaged in research to explore the remarkable functions possessed by living things and to apply this knowledge to the leading edge of electrical and electronic engineering. We are particularly focusing on the human central nervous system. By non-invasively measuring, analyzing, and imaging this system, we can explore the sophisticated mechanisms employed by the brain. In addition, we are investigating the human visual system and other sensory functions, memory, perception, and consciousness as key research topics, with a view to potential engineering applications.

Based mainly on the non-invasive measurement techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), magnetoencephalography (MEG), and electroencephalography (EEG), and on the measurement of behavioral psychophysical data of reaction time and eye movement, we are focusing on comprehensive brain function research that combines computational and theoretical approaches. In parallel with this, we are developing integrated measurement techniques and new inverse analysis methods. We are simultaneously pursuing fundamental research into measurement and analysis methods, to promote the development of high-precision numerical computation techniques to analyze electromagnetic fields generated by or applied to living things.

In addition, we are collaborating with the Graduate School of Medicine on research into bio-imaging and brain-machine-interfaces for people afflicted by sensory functions such as visual and auditory systems and motor function disabilities caused by illness or accident, with the aim of making a contribution to engineering for medical care and welfare.

Furthermore, as a member of the "Cutting-edge Techno Hub for High-order Bio-imaging" (a joint venture between Kyoto University and Canon, Inc.), we are tackling development of supersensitive optical pumping atomic magnetometers, for the purpose of promoting medical care innovations to promote faster diagnosis of illnesses and more effective preventive treatment.

Academic Staff

Yosuke ITO

Yosuke ITOJunior Associate Professor (Graduate School of Engineering)

Research Interests

Biomedical engineering, Biomagnetic field measurement, Optically pumped magnetometer, functional MRI

Contacts

Katsura Campus A1-217
TEL: +81-75-383-2230
FAX: +81-75-383-2230
E-mail: yito@kuee.kyoto-u.ac.jp
http://researchmap.jp/yosuke_ito/?lang=english

Hiroyuki UEDA

HiroyukiUeda.jpgAssistant Professor (Graduate School of Engineering)

Research Interests

Biomedical engineering, functional MRI, low-field MRI, spin-lock sequence

Contacts

Katsura Campus A1-215
TEL: +81-75-383-2259
FAX: +81-75-383-2259
E-mail: ueda.hiroyuki.8f@kyoto-u.ac.jp
https://researchmap.jp/hiroyuki_ueda?lang=en