RAMSRI’s research encompasses a variety of scientific disciplines, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to enhancing healthcare, nutrition, environmental safety, and radiological sciences. Below is an overview of our core areas of expertise:
- Biological Dosimetry Research
We assess radiation exposure by analysing chromosomal damage in cells, tissues, and organs. Our research utilises biomarkers such as dicentric chromosomes and micronuclei to support occupational safety, medical diagnostics, and emergency response.
- Human Chromosome Karyotyping and Abnormality Detection
Our researchers employ karyotyping to identify chromosomal abnormalities, aiding in the diagnosis of genetic disorders, radiation-induced damage, and radiosensitivity profiling in individuals.
- Medicinal Plant Screening for Radioprotective and Anticancer Properties
We investigate indigenous medicinal plants for their potential to protect against radiation and inhibit cancer growth. These studies provide natural alternatives to synthetic drugs in radiotherapy and oncology.
- Predictive Assays for Radiosensitivity
RAMSRI develops and applies assays to identify individual sensitivity to radiation. These tools inform personalised treatment plans in radiotherapy, enhancing outcomes and reducing side effects.
- Nutrition and Diet-Related Research
Our nutrition studies aim to improve dietary practices and combat malnutrition and diet-related diseases. Key focus areas include:
- Body Composition Assessment: Measuring fat and lean mass using stable isotopes.
- Micronutrient Assessment: Utilising isotopic techniques to evaluate deficiencies in iron, zinc, and vitamin A.
Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices: Investigating breastfeeding and complementary feeding patterns to inform public health strategies.
- Food Innovation, Preservation, and Adulteration Detection
We research food preservation techniques, including freeze-drying and chemical treatments, and investigate contamination issues such as:
- Food Adulteration: Detecting unauthorised or harmful substances in food.
- Petroleum Adulteration: Assessing health risks associated with contamination from fuel products.
- Environmental and Public Health Studies
RAMSRI addresses critical environmental health challenges, including:
- Heavy Metals in Breast Milk: Studying the presence and impact of lead and mercury.
- Microplastics and Pharmaceutical Residues: Evaluating their presence in breast milk and potential effects on child development.
- Environmental Health Risk Assessments: Measuring community exposure to pollutants and chemicals.
- Radiological Imaging and Diagnostic Reference Levels
We establish national Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) for X-ray and CT scans to enhance radiation safety and optimise diagnostic imaging protocols across healthcare facilities.
- Performance Evaluation of Diagnostic Imaging Equipment
RAMSRI evaluates the quality and functionality of imaging equipment throughout Ghana to identify performance gaps and ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Infectious Disease and Molecular Epidemiology
Our research enhances the understanding of infectious diseases through molecular analysis, with current focus areas including:
- Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs): Studying vector-host-pathogen dynamics.
- HPV and Cervical Cancer: Guiding prevention and screening strategies.
- Tuberculosis Studies: Investigating both Mycobacterium tuberculosis and non-tuberculous strains.
- Antimicrobial Screening of Plant Extracts
We evaluate plant-based extracts for antibacterial and antifungal activity, supporting the development of natural therapies in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
- Bioethics in Health Research, Practice, and Policy
RAMSRI actively promotes ethical conduct in health research. We contribute to ethical review processes, policy development, and stakeholder education to protect research participants and uphold scientific integrity.