Investigators:
Dr. Michael J. Manyak
Chairman, Department of Urology, George Washington University Medical Center

Dr. Christian Macedonia
Assistant Professor, OB-GYN, Uniformed Services University for Health Sciences

Description of Research:
Researchers assembled and tested a technological "tool kit" that included a laptop computer, digital still cameras, digital video cameras, a portable Doppler ultrasound, and an advanced telecommunication system in order to improve capabilities for medical diagnosis and treatment in remote environments such as the North Atlantic. In addition to medical applications aboard the Russian research vessel Akademik Mstislav Keldysh, these technologies were used to inspect cultural materials freshly recovered from the debris field of RMS Titanic, and to survey the anatomy of deepwater bioluminescent fish. Bioluminescence or "living" light is the light produced by some living organisms, usually produced when oxygen combines with a substance in the organism called luciferin.

The researchers worked hand-in-hand with the project archaeologist and material conservators to inspect the contents of a suitcase from a passenger aboard RMS Titanic, without physically opening the suitcase. They also worked in cooperation with Russian ichthyologists from the P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanography to complete anatomic reconstruction of the deepwater bioluminescent fish. Motorola Corporation graciously provided the telecommunication system. These technologies may someday improve medical response in remote environments, conservation treatment of cultural materials recovered from the world's oceans and freshwaters, and noninvasive survey of deep ocean life from submersibles or remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs).

Future Research Interests:
These interests include advanced imaging technology to obtain three-dimensional anatomic information about ocean fishes and other marine organisms; ROVs and submersibles to gain in situ images of marine organisms; technologies for electronic transmission of images; and feasibility of obtaining tissue specimens from oceanic species for genetic (DNA) profiles.