Our research

Physics has for decades played a crucial role in the development of new techniques for medicine and is becoming increasingly important in understanding the behaviour of biological systems. With many years experience of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, we are now developing complementary expertise in the development and application of optical imaging and vibrational spectroscopy.

Current projects include the development of a multiphoton microscopy laboratory. Multiphoton techniques are currently attracting a great deal of interest as they offer increased depth penetration and molecular contrast without the use of dyes. We are also collaborating with major pharmaceutical companies to develop novel optical approaches to drug discovery.

Working with a team of interdisciplinary researchers from London School of Pharmacy, Kings College London and GlaxoSmithKline, Dr Julian Moger has developed a new optical imaging technique to monitor the transport of particles less than one thousandth of a millimetre in size within biological tissues. This research will help develop smart nanodrugs to treat brain diseases like schizophrenia, depression and dementia. 

Physics also relates to a wide range of fundamental questions in modern biology. Activities of the Biomedical Physics research group range from studies of the cell membrane, through investigations of the ways in which cells sense and respond to physical signals, to integrative studies on touch perception. This work helps us to understand processes that may be involved in diseases ranging from diabetes to cancer, and hence to develop novel therapeutic approaches.