Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction is the re-creation of an object from images of serial sections, for the purpose of examining the interrelationships of its parts. Dr. Hibbard will use this technique to investigate the structure-function of the median eminence of the hypothalamus. By reconstructing the microvasculature within this distinctive but complex brain region, he will help understand how the hypothalamus and the pituitary regulate the flow of hormones into the blood stream. Moreover, the microarchitecture of this system may elucidate systems of communication as of yet unrecognized, and may uncover mechanisms that may contribute greatly to our understanding of blood flow in the brain. Within the context of studying this major biological question, Dr. Hibbard will continue to develop specific methods that will advance the technology of 3D reconstruction. Specifically, he is working on the procedures to compute image alignment and feature extraction required for reconstructions without manual tracing. This would allow the objectivity and analytic flexibility unattainable with conventional methods which opens major opportunities for important investigations in all areas of anatomy as well as spatially based problems in other fields of physical science and engineering. As problems addressed in the neurosciences are expanded and rely more on computational methods, the development and the implementation of these methods for the analysis of brain using 3D reconstruction will be of great benefit to science and engineering and to education. Indeed the effectiveness of 3D visual images in teaching anatomy has already been demonstrated within the classroom.
