Pcom Doctor Of Osteopathic Medicine Class Of 2030 White Coat Ceremony, Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine

White Coat Ceremony

Program of PCOM Philadelphia Campus 2026 White Coat Ceremony Program for the Class of 2030.

Guest Speaker: Michael A. Becker, DO '87, Senior Associate Dean of Clinical Education, Professor, Department of Family Medicine.

Fast Mr Imaging: Reducing Sedation And Improving Patient Experience, Hajir Aljumaily

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To examine the impact of fast magnetic resonance (MR) protocols on sedation requirements, patient tolerance, workflow efficiency, and diagnostic accuracy in musculoskeletal and brain imaging.

Method An integrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar to identify peer-reviewed, original research articles published between 2019 and 2026. Studies were selected for relevance, human subjects, and outcomes related to sedation, patient experience, or diagnostic effectiveness.

Results Fast MR protocols were consistently associated with reduced sedation use, improved patient comfort, and increased exam completion rates. Workflow efficiency improved due to shorter scan times. Although minor reductions in image quality …

Ai Integration In Radiotherapy Workflows: Emerging Trends And Best Practices, Vi T. Dinh

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To synthesize current evidence on artificial intelligence (AI) integration in radiotherapy workflows, identify emerging application trends, and examine best practices for clinical implementation.

Method A structured literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025. Eligible studies evaluated AI applications in radiotherapy workflows, including segmentation, treatment planning, and clinical decision-making. Findings were synthesized using thematic analysis.

Results Three primary themes emerged: (a) AI-based segmentation improved contouring efficiency and reduced interobserver variability; (b) AI-assisted treatment planning enhanced dose prediction consistency and workflow reproducibility; and (c) workflow integration supported clinical decision-making …

Disengagement And Reconnection: Investigating The Role Of Purpose And Identity Seeking Across Career Stages In Healthcare, Charmel Renee Jeffery

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To examine the generational purpose gap in healthcare by identifying the psychological and environmental factors underlying early-career disengagement and late-career reconnection.

Method An integrative literature review was conducted using four academic databases. An artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted thematic synthesis was applied to extract and organize findings within a standardized analytic matrix. To ensure accuracy and rigor, all AI-generated outputs were validated against the original source data.

Results Two primary themes emerged. Early-career healthcare workers commonly experienced disengagement associated with destiny beliefs, while later-career professionals demonstrated renewed purpose and resilience despite ongoing stressors.

Discussion The findings revealed a pronounced generational divide …

Ai-Driven Multi-Modal Mr For Precision Oncology, Maneet K. Marwaha

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To examine the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in multiparametric magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for precision oncology, with a focus on automated tumor segmentation, treatment response prediction, and workflow efficiency.

Method A literature review was conducted to examine current evidence on AI applications in multiparametric MR imaging for oncology. Studies evaluating deep learning models for tumor segmentation, longitudinal imaging analysis, and treatment response prediction were synthesized using a thematic analysis approach.

Results Three primary themes emerged: (a) AI-driven tumor segmentation improved accuracy, reproducibility, and efficiency across multiparametric MR sequences; (b) deep learning models enhanced prediction of treatment response through …

Mr-Linac Technology, Katherine Orellana

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To examine the clinical advantages of magnetic resonance-guided linear accelerator (MR-Linac) technology in radiation therapy, with a focus on treatment accuracy, adaptive planning, and patient outcomes.

Method A literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed articles identified through The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Research Medical Library. Studies published between 2022 and 2026 were included if they addressed the clinical advantages of MR-Linac technology. Findings were synthesized using thematic analysis.

Results Three primary themes emerged: (a) superior soft-tissue visualization improved tumor delineation and treatment accuracy; (b) daily adaptive treatment planning and real-time tumor tracking enhanced precision by accounting …

Impact Of Music On Patient Comfort During Mr Scans: A Literature Review, He Yan

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To investigate the influence of auditory stimuli on patient comfort levels during magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, with particular emphasis on indicators of distress, duration of patient positioning, and utilization of emergency signaling devices.

Method An integrative literature review was undertaken utilizing peer-reviewed research articles sourced from journals within the fields of radiology, music therapy, and clinical practice. A comprehensive search was conducted across databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Oxford Academic employing keywords including MR anxiety, music therapy, and patient comfort.

Results The body of literature consistently indicated that auditory stimuli significantly mitigate patient anxiety and distress in …

Reducing Potentially Preventable Emergency Department Visits (Ppvs) Through A Telehealth Intervention In Children With Asthma Within A Managed Care Organization (Mco), Renee A. Roker

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Abstract

Purpose:  The purpose of this quality improvement project was to reduce unnecessary ED utilizations among children with asthma enrolled in a Medicaid managed care health plan. The project aimed to improve access to care and enhance asthma self-management.

Background:  Asthma is one of the leading causes of Emergency Department (ED) utilization, among vulnerable populations. Members experience barriers to timely primary and specialist care, contributing to Potentially Preventable ED Visits (PPV) rates. This places managed care organizations (MCOs) at risk for financial penalties if not meeting the Texas PPV benchmark.

Methodology:  Guided by the Chronic Care Model, Lean Six Sigma …

Enhancing Cancer Diagnosis And Treatment Planning Through Multi-Modal Imaging Techniques: A Literature Review, Ngan Kim Le

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To examine how combining magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) enhances clinical outcomes in complex or metastatic cancers, focusing on diagnostic performance, staging accuracy, and effects on treatment decisions.

Method Data were extracted and analyzed using a thematic synthesis approach for this literature review. Key variables included study design, sample size, cancer type, imaging modalities used, and reported diagnostic outcomes such as sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.

Results The integration of multiple imaging modalities enhanced diagnostic performance, improved differentiation between tumor recurrence and posttreatment changes, and increased detection of occult metastatic disease. Advanced imaging approaches, …

Ai-Enhanced Ct Reconstruction: Effects On Image Quality Across Dose Levels And Implications For Radiation Dose Optimization: A Systematic Review, Matthew R. Alberto

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To evaluate how deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) affects diagnostic image quality and noise characteristics at different radiation dose levels and how it influences dose optimization compared with conventional reconstruction methods.

Method A systematic review was conducted using major databases for studies published between 2020 and 2026. Eligible studies assessed DLIR across multiple dose levels, reported radiation dose, included quantitative image quality metrics, and compared DLIR with filtered back projection or iterative reconstruction.

Results Thirty‑seven studies met criteria, and 15 were synthesized. Three themes emerged: (a) DLIR reduced noise by 15–82% and often improved signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios while …

Reducing Mr Acquisition Times Using Artificial Intelligence: A Systematic Review, Fatin M. Arief

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To synthesize existing evidence on artificial intelligence (AI) applications for reducing magnetic resonance (MR) imaging acquisition time, evaluate their impact on image quality, and identify challenges in clinical implementation.

Method A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus including peer reviewed, English-language articles published between 2020 and 2026. Both qualitative and quantitative primary research were eligible and had to be on AI use in MR processes. Findings were analyzed through thematic synthesis, and the quality of each study was appraised using relevant critical appraisal tools.

Results Three major themes emerged: AI methods in MR procedures, perceived …

Impact Of Mr-Linac Technology On Prostate Cancer Treatment Outcomes, Anhdiep P. Tran

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To evaluate the impact of magnetic resonance-guided linear accelerator (MR-Linac) technology on treatment precision, clinical outcomes, and operational challenges in prostate cancer radiotherapy.

Method A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2018 and 2026. Eligible studies evaluated MR-Linac technology for prostate cancer and reported outcomes related to treatment precision, toxicity, workflow, and clinical effectiveness.

Results Three primary themes emerged: (a) improved treatment precision through superior soft tissue visualization, real-time target tracking, and adaptive radiotherapy; (b) improved clinical outcomes characterized by reduced radiation exposure to organs at risk, decreased …

Gadolinium Deposition Concerns In Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Emily Tran

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To examine how concerns about gadolinium deposition have influenced the use of macrocyclic versus linear contrast agents in magnetic resonance (MR) practice.

Method A structured literature review was conducted using AI-assisted research tools and academic databases to identify recent peer-reviewed original research articles related to gadolinium deposition and contrast agent use patterns in MR. Only studies published between 2020 and 2026 were included.

Results Recent research confirmed that gadolinium can accumulate in human tissues following contrast-enhanced MR examinations. Multiple studies demonstrated that linear gadolinium-based contrast agents are associated with greater levels of tissue retention compared with macrocyclic agents due …

Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On The Roles And Career Trajectories Of Radiologic Technologists, Carolina Esquivel

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To examine how artificial intelligence (AI) is influencing the roles, responsibilities, and career trajectories of radiologic technologists by identifying emerging challenges and opportunities associated with AI integration in medical imaging.

Method A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed and CINAHL to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2016 and 2026. Eligible studies examined AI applications in medical imaging and their effects on workforce roles, education, collaboration, and professional practice. Findings were synthesized using thematic analysis.

Results Three primary themes emerged: (a) workflow efficiency and protocol optimization through AI-assisted imaging processes; (b) professional skill development and evolving responsibilities related to …

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders In Sonography: Impact On Career Longevity And Evidence-Based Interventions For Workforce Retention, Aileen Gonzalez

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To synthesize current evidence on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among sonographers, examine their impact on career longevity and job satisfaction, and identify leadership-driven interventions that support workforce retention.

Method A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Research Medical Library to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2026. Eligible studies examined WRMSDs in sonographers and reported outcomes related to career longevity, job satisfaction, workplace retention, or injury prevention interventions. Findings were synthesized thematically.

Results Three primary themes emerged: (a) WRMSDs are highly prevalent across sonography specialties and represent …

High-Definition Healing: Investigating Ai-Driven Mr Reconstruction Methods, Jerell R. Jones

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To analyze recent artificial intelligence (AI)-driven magnetic resonance (MR) reconstruction methods aimed at addressing long acquisition times, image artifacts, and workflow inefficiencies.

Method A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Scopus AI, targeting peer‑reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2026. Search terms included “MRI,” “magnetic resonance imaging,” “artificial intelligence,” “deep learning,” and “machine learning.” Eligible studies included methodology, validation, and review papers. Extracted data included algorithm type, study design, key findings, and limitations. Themes were identified through content analysis and generative AI use.

Results Prominent themes identified were the emergence of generative adversarial networks, advanced neural …

Administrative And Clinical Impacts Of Theranostic Program Expansion In Nuclear Medicine, Karmela Kljajic Pascual

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To synthesize current evidence on theranostic trials, nuclear medicine clinical workflow models, and organizational readiness, with a focus on how healthcare organizations and medical imaging leaders are adapting to the rapid expansion of theranostic services.

Method A comprehensive search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria required peer‑reviewed articles published between 2002 and 2026 addressing nuclear medicine leadership, theranostic implementation, workflow design, and organizational factors influencing theranostic program development. Exclusion criteria removed editorials, blog posts, and nonpeer‑reviewed sources.

Results Four major themes emerged: workforce and staffing demands, infrastructure and resource requirements, regulatory and administrative pressures, …

Evaluating The Safety Of Mr Exposure For Electronic Devices And Implants: A Literature Review, Molly O'Dowd

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To review literature examining the factors that determine magnetic resonance (MR) compatibility of electronic implants and wearable devices, including device materials, engineering design, regulatory approval processes, and clinical monitoring requirements.

Method An integrative literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed literature addressing MR safety and device compatibility. Databases searched included PubMed, Wiley Online Library, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Studies were selected based on relevance to MR safety classifications, device design considerations, regulatory labeling, and monitoring requirements.

Results The literature demonstrated that MR compatible devices are engineered and tested to meet regulatory safety standards and approved for use under specific scanning …

Application Of Lean Six Sigma Strategies To Improve Diagnostic Imaging Departmental Performance Metrics: A Literature Review, Obinna Newman Osuji

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of Lean and Six Sigma quality improvement approaches in enhancing diagnostic imaging workflows and departmental financial performance.

Method Literature for this review was retrieved from Scopus, CINAHIL Plus, PubMed, and Healthcare Administration Database in February and March 2026. Empirical studies and literature reviews were included if they addressed the utilization of Lean Six Sigma, Lean, or Six Sigma as a method of quality improvement within a diagnostic imaging departmental setting.

Results Database searches generated 1,624 articles, and 17 were deemed suitable for inclusion in the study. There were four studies that directly measured patient …

Assault Vs. Assistance: Radiologic Technologist Decision-Making When Fall-Risk Patients Decline Assistance, Pamela O'Dowd

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To explore how radiologic technologists experience and respond to situations involving fall-risk patients who decline assistance during imaging procedures.

Method A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from practicing radiologic technologists recruited through the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were analyzed using SPSS to summarize participant responses, and a thematic analysis was conducted on open-ended responses.

Results A total of 87 respondents completed the survey. Results indicated that encounters with fall-risk patients who refuse assistance are common in clinical imaging practice. Sixty-three (72.4%) technologists reported having experienced situations in which a …

Magnetic Resonance In Pregnancy: Safety Considerations, Contrast Risks, And Imaging Modality Alternatives, Lizzette Valdez

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To examine the safety of magnetic resonance (MR) during pregnancy by evaluating fetal outcomes, contrast agent risks, and the comparative roles of MR, ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT) in prenatal imaging.

Method A literature review was conducted using PubMed and peer-reviewed radiology journals to identify studies evaluating MR safety during pregnancy. The review examined fetal and neonatal outcomes following prenatal MR exposure, trimester-specific imaging considerations, risks associated with gadolinium-based contrast agents, and comparisons among MR, ultrasound, and CT.

Results Three primary themes emerged: (a) noncontrast MR demonstrated a strong safety profile with no consistent association with adverse fetal or …

Comparing Ai-Generated And Human-Written Radiology Reports: Evidence From The Literature, Lakenya Webb

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To evaluate the current evidence comparing artificial intelligence (AI)-generated radiology reports with radiologist-written reports, emphasizing diagnostic accuracy, clinical reasoning, workflow efficiency, and patient safety.

Method A literature review was performed using peer-reviewed articles identified through The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Research Medical Library. Studies evaluating AI-generated radiology reports were analyzed using AI-assisted thematic synthesis to identify recurring patterns related to report quality, diagnostic performance, and clinical implementation.

Results The literature consistently identified three overarching themes: (a) AI-generated reports demonstrated improvements in structured reporting and factual consistency but exhibited variable diagnostic accuracy; (b) current AI systems had …

Deep Learning Reconstruction In Pediatric Ct Imaging, Cody Wyatt

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To synthesize current evidence on dose optimization using deep learning reconstruction (DLR) with emphasis on computed tomography (CT), pediatrics, contrast to noise ratio (CNR), signal to noise ratio (SNR), and radiation dosage.

Method The methodology was a systematic literature review, synthesizing peer-reviewed literature on the use of DLR in pediatric CT. Databases searched included Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science. Keywords include combinations of deep learning reconstruction, DLR, CT, pediatric, dose, and optimization. Boolean operators were used to refine search results.

Results Three themes emerged: dosage reduction, noise reduction, and improved spatial resolution with the use of DLR …

National Pacs And Electronic Health Records: Considerations, Challenges, And Implications For Radiomics, Darchelle Scott

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To examine the considerations, challenges, and implications of implementing a national picture archiving and communication system (PACS) integrated with electronic health records (EHRs), with particular emphasis on interoperability, radiomics, and patient-centered data sharing.

Method A systematic literature review was conducted using books, peer-reviewed articles, original research studies, and government publications addressing radiomics, TEFCA, blockchain technology, PACS, and EHR integration. Literature was analyzed to evaluate national health information exchange, radiomics applications, and implementation challenges associated with a connected healthcare infrastructure.

Results Three primary themes emerged: (a) interoperable national PACS and EHR systems have the potential to improve continuity of care …

Decreased Frequency Of Splenectomy For High-Grade Splenic Injuries Following The Implementation Of An Interventional Radiology Alert Protocol., Maura Kopchak, John Bach, William B Devoe, Brian Dusseau, Katherine A Graham, John Dillis, Thomas Glusich, Jeff Hubartt

OhioHealth Research Institute Articles

Background A vascular interventional radiology (VIR) protocol was initiated at a mature level 2 trauma center on 3/1/2023 to reduce time to vessel puncture to < 60 minutes as per American College of Surgeons (ACS) guidelines. The average time to vessel puncture in the two years prior to protocol initiation was 102 minutes. Following initiation, time to vessel puncture was reduced to 48.2 minutes (p < 0.001). A statistically significant increase in the number of splenic embolizations was noted in the post-protocol group. The primary outcome of the current study was to evaluate if the initiation of a VIR protocol correlated with a statistically significant decrease in splenectomies for high-grade splenic injuries (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade 3 or higher) in favor of splenic embolization. The secondary outcomes of the study were to assess whether the initiation of the VIR alert protocol improved our rate of splenic salvage, defined as preserved splenic immune function, and if there was a decreased rate of splenectomies across all injury grades. Methods The trauma registry database was queried for all splenic injuries from 1/1/2021 to 9/1/2024. Admission CT scans were used to grade injuries using the AAST Organ Injury Scale. Demographic and clinical characteristics, including severity of illness (ISS), admission INR, age, blood product required pre- and post-intervention, mortality, sex, length of stay, anticoagulant (AC)/antiplatelet (AP) use, mechanism of injury, and need for REBOA (resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta) placement, were collected for all patients. Patients were further broken down into those requiring splenectomy, embolization, or no intervention. Data were analyzed using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U with Jamovi Version 2.3.26.0 (The Jamovi Project, 2023). Results No statistically significant difference was found for clinical or demographic characteristics between groups. Fewer splenectomies and more splenic embolizations were performed in the post-protocol group for high-grade splenic injuries (grade 3), which was statistically significant (p< 0.001). This was also true when all grade splenic injuries were compared (p< 0.001). Conclusion Following the establishment of an institutional VIR alert protocol for active hemorrhage control in trauma patients, more frequent utilization of angioembolization for high-grade splenic injuries was found with a subsequent decrease in splenectomy rate. Implementation of the VIR alert protocol directly correlated with a shift in practice pattern reflecting attempts at splenic salvage for all injury grades.

Hematopoietic Stem And Progenitor Cell Reprogramming During Breast Cancer Progression Promotes Myeloid-Biased Hematopoiesis, Emily Maria Eul

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Breast cancer progression is associated with systemic immune dysregulation characterized by the expansion of immunosuppressive myeloid populations that promote tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. However, the mechanisms that sustain pathological myeloid expansion remain incompletely understood. In particular, it remains unknown whether solid tumors functionally reprogram hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) to drive enhanced myeloid output and if bone-derived signals can regulate tumor-associated hematopoietic remodeling. In murine models of primary and metastatic breast cancer, tumor progression induced the remodeling of the hematopoietic compartment, characterized by the expansion of HSPCs, enhanced myeloid differentiation, and systemic accumulation of myeloid populations. …

Interpreting Continuous Glucose Monitoring Through Metabolic Physiology: A Framework For Precision Nutrition In Type 2 Diabetes, Jitendra D. Belani

College of Pharmacy Faculty Papers

Background: Type 2 diabetes is characterized by substantial interindividual variability in postprandial glucose responses, yet continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-derived glucose patterns are commonly described using quantitative metrics without sufficient consideration of the physiological mechanisms that generate them. Objective: To develop a physiology-based framework for interpreting CGM-derived glycemic phenotypes in relation to dietary exposures and individual metabolic characteristics, thereby supporting precision nutrition in adults with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A structured narrative review of the literature was conducted using PubMed to identify studies examining CGM, postprandial glucose regulation, dietary exposures, metabolic physiology, and precision nutrition. Evidence was synthesized within a predefined …

Dose-Expansion Study Of Obi-999, A Globo H-Targeting Antibody-Drug Conjugate, In Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors, Apostolia Maria Tsimberidou, Darren Sigal, Anna Varghese, Daniel Vaena, Li-Yuan Bai, Ming-Huang Chen, Chun-Nan Yeh, Chia-Jui Yen, Mehmet A Baysal, Abhijit Chakraborty, Ingly Lee, Chi-Sheng Shia, Konul Ristoski, Dong Xu

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background: OBI-999 is an antibody-drug conjugate consisting of the Globo H-targeting antibody OBI-888 linked to the cytotoxic payload monomethyl auristatin E. In a dose-escalation study, the OBI-999 recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) was 1.2 mg/kg every 3 weeks. This dose-expansion study evaluated the efficacy and safety of OBI-999 in patients with pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer (CRC), or other tumor types ("basket cohort") and tumoral Globo H H-scores ≥100 (NCT04084366).

Patients and methods: Patients were treated at RP2D of OBI-999. We assessed response, progression-free survival (PFS), treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), and pharmacokinetics of OBI-999.

Results: Of 29 patients treated, …

Influence Of Lumpectomy Cavity Depth On Plan Quality In 3d Arc-Based Simultaneous Integrated Boost For Whole-Breast Radiotherapy, Emmett Dwyer

Masters Projects

Abstract

Purpose: Dynamic conformal arc (DCA) is a three-dimensional (3D) radiation therapy technique that can be used to deliver a simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) during whole-breast irradiation (WBI). This study investigated whether the depth of the lumpectomy cavity affects the feasibility of creating a successful DCA SIB treatment plan for breast radiotherapy.

Methods and Materials: 30 patients who previously received WBI followed by a 3D sequential boost (SeqB) were selected for this retrospective study. A DCA plan was created for each patient and combined with the original whole-breast tangent fields to create a SIB plan. Each plan was required to …

Shared Neural Geometries For Bilingual Semantic Representations In Human Hippocampal Neurons, Xinyuan Yan, Ana G Chavez, Melissa Franch, Kalman A Katlowitz, Ivy Gautam, Brian Kim, Aaditya Krishna, Aadit Shrivastava, Katie Van Arsdel, James Belanger, Assia Chericoni, Taha Ismail, Elizabeth A Mickiewicz, Danika Paulo, Hanlin Zhu, Alica M Goldman, Vaishnav Krishnan, Atul Maheshwari, Eleonora Bartoli, Nicole R Provenza, Seng Bum Michael Yoo, Benjamin Y Hayden, Sameer A Sheth

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

The human brain has the remarkable ability to comprehend and express similar concepts in multiple languages. To understand how it does so, we examined responses of hippocampal neurons during passive listening, directed speaking, and spontaneous conversation in both English and Spanish in a small group of balanced bilinguals. We found a small number of putative "cross-language neurons," whose responses to equivalent words (e.g., "tierra" and "earth") are correlated. However, neurons' semantic tunings differed substantially by language, suggesting language-specific neural implementations. Instead, the crucial driver of translation was a preserved geometric organization of neural responses between the two languages, one that …