Molecular Imaging

Molecular imaging (also called nuclear medicine or nuclear imaging) can image the function of cells inside the body at the molecular level. This includes the imaging modalities of positron emission computed tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. How does PET and SPECT imaging work? Small amounts of radioactive material (radiopharmaceuticals) injected into a patient. These can use sugars or chemical traits to bond to specific cells. The radioactive material is taken up by cells that consume the sugars. The radiation emitted from inside the body is detected by photon detectors outside the body. Computers take the data to assemble images of the radiation emissions. Nuclear images may appear fuzzy or ghostly rather than the sharper resolution from MRI and CT.  But, it provides metabolic information at a cellular level, showing if there are defects in the function of the heart, areas of very high metabolic activity associated with cancer cells, or areas of inflammation, data not available from other modalities. These noninvasive imaging exams are used to diagnose cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, bone disorders and other disorders. 

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Neuroimaging in art

Every week, Molecular Imaging brings hard-hitting neuroimaging research to light, but today we are highlighting the unorthodox work of one neuroscientist—his paintings, in fact, which depict the microstructure of the brain.

Definiens Releases Tissue Studio 4.0 for Quantitative Digital Pathology

Definiens, the global leader in Tissue Phenomics® for oncology diagnostics, today announced the newest version of its leading image analysis software for quantitative digital pathology, Tissue Studio 4.0. The new release provides greater flexibility, more accurate and consistent results, and the ability to use any chromogen for single and dual stain immunohistochemistry (IHC) quantification.

Neuro-inflammation may be intrinsic to autism

Genetic research from John Hopkins and the University of Alabama Birmingham are providing a road map of inflammation linked to autism thanks to a fleet of tissue samples from 72 autistic and healthy brains. Analyses of these tissues showed microglial cells in perpetual hyperdrive, which translates into neuro-inflammation.

Bavarian Nordic Reaches Enrollment Target in the Pivotal Phase 3 Study of PROSTVAC® in Prostate Cancer

Bavarian Nordic A/S (OMX: BAVA, OTC: BVNRY) announced today that it has reached the planned enrollment of 1,200 patients in the PROSPECT Phase 3 clinical study of its targeted active immunotherapy candidate, PROSTVAC®, in the treatment of asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Patients were enrolled at 214 sites in 15 countries.

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Speeding up FDA review for neglected diseases

One of the biggest challenges in medicine today is getting effective diagnostic and therapeutic drugs through the regulatory process unscathed. Judit Rius, the U.S. manager and legal policy adviser for Doctors Without Borders has words of wisdom to share about how to improve FDA reviews and incentives for the development of treatments for much needed drugs, including those for neglected tropical diseases.

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NeuroLaunch aids ignition for neuscience startups

NeuroLaunch, the first major worldwide program for neuroscience technology businesses, is taking Atlanta by storm in a rolling 90-day program aimed to give participants and their companies the tools needed to succeed, including seed funding, mentorship, and other resources, such as access to top research centers.

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Biogen to take anti-amyloid drug to late stage trial

Cambridge, Mass., based biomedical company Biogen Idec announced encouraging results of a phase II drug targeting amyloid in Alzheimer’s patients at a Deutsche Bank conference in Boston today.

Philips partners with Image Stream Medical to expand its integration solutions for image-guided minimally invasive therapies

Royal Philips, a leader in image-guided therapies, announced that it has signed an agreement with Image Stream Medical (ISM) that allows Philips to further expand its integration solutions for its hybrid suite and interventional lab solutions with integrated video and live streaming capabilities. As part of the agreement, Philips has acquired a minority stake in ISM. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.