Robert H. Pudenz, MD developed the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt system for hydrocephalus, a relatively common neurological disorder in which an excessive amount of CSF accumulates within the ventricular cavities of the brain, resulting in rapid enlargement of the head.
OUR HISTORY
Rooted in the Promise of Scientific Greatness.
OUR HISTORY
Rooted in the Promise of Scientific Greatness.
The beginnings of HMRI date back to the early 1950s, with the establishment of two research facilities by two physicians: Pasadena Foundation for Medical Research (PFMR), founded by George Sharp in 1952, and the Institute of Medical Research of Huntington Memorial Hospital (which also housed the Pasadena Neurovascular Foundation), founded by C. Hunter Shelden in 1953. Years of growth and mergers, innovative technologies, scientific breakthroughs and life-changing discoveries have created the HMRI you know today—a world-class biomedical research organization.
1950s
Dr. C. Hunter Shelden's research and treatment of head injuries resulting from automobile accidents led to important safety features that we often take for granted today: retractable seatbelts, recessed steering wheel, reinforced roof, roll bars, door locks, seatbacks and airbags. In 1959, Congress required all automobiles to meet the safety standards recommended by Dr. Shelden.
Dr. C. Hunter Shelden's research and treatment of head injuries resulting from automobile accidents led to important safety features that we often take for granted today: retractable seatbelts, recessed steering wheel, reinforced roof, roll bars, door locks, seatbacks and airbags. In 1959, Congress required all automobiles to meet the safety standards recommended by Dr. Shelden.
1960s
A collaboration between Dr. Donald E. Rounds and Dr. C.M. Pomerat of Pasadena Foundation for Medical Research resulted in the first scientific evidence that human lung cells exposed to smog undergo changes characteristic of the early stages of cancer. Their work provided evidential support of the hypothesis that smog can cause lung cancer.
In 1967, the Institute of Medical Research became the Huntington Institute of Applied Medical Research (HIAMR).
In 1969, Dr. Richard Bing joined HIAMR and helped develop high-speed cinematography of coronary vessels, which enabled him to study the chemistry of the heart after a heart attack. He would later introduce a technique for measuring cardiac blood flow using nitric oxide.
1970s
Researchers pioneered work with the biomedical research application of laser energy. In the cell culture laboratory, scientists developed a now widely used line of prostate cancer cells, including the immortal cell line, PC-3.
1980s
The El Molino (PFMR) and Fairmount (HIAMR) operations merged in 1982 as the Huntington Medical Research Institutes (HMRI). At that time, research at the Pico Street location added clinical studies of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Earlier advances at Pico Street included development of methods for providing CT-scanner guidance of 3D brain stereotactic surgery systems. Comparative studies of CT versus MRI by HMRI contributed to the regulatory approval of magnetic resonance for medical imaging.
1990s
In 1990, Prentice Hall published Neural Prostheses: Fundamental Studies, edited by HMRI's William Agnew, PhD and Douglas McCreery, PhD. The book reviewed the subject of neural stimulation from the perspectives of safety and efficacy. HMRI developed electrical stimulation devices to effectively connect to nerves and the brain to signal patterns for use in deafness, bladder control, and epilepsy.
2000s
The HMRI Liver Center opened its doors in 2005. HMRI perfected medical resonance spectroscopy that serves as a particularly sensitive diagnostic tool of brain tumors, dementia, stroke, encephalopathy, head trauma, infections, cancers, pediatric hypoxia, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and cardiovascular conditions.
2010s
HMRI's new biomedical research building on South Fair Oaks Avenue was dedicated on April 12, 2018, providing state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for researchers in the areas of neurosciences, cardiovascular disease, and the brain/heart connection.