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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Plato's Cave pushes advanced visualization out of the dark

Plato's Cave, short for computer augmented virtual environment, is a 5D imaging masterpiece engineered by researchers at the Methodist Hospital in Houston that combines PET, MR and CT imaging on multiple screens, including a touch-screen table top, and the ability to use voice commands and game controllers to manipulate and fly-through medical images for better treatment planning.

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A potential biomarker for PTSD

It may seem like an unlikely connection, but an aversion to kitty litter has led to a very interesting discovery about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that could one day lead to a diagnostic test and perhaps even a drug therapy,

Are anti-APOE Alzheimer’s therapies safe?

A New York Times piece reviews recent research on the safety of potential Alzheimer’s therapies that focus on genetic factors of the disease. APOE is a hallmark risk factor and perhaps the most common in those who progress to Alzheimer’s, and often earlier than others.

Toshiba's new technology enables blood flow visualization never thought possible with ultrasound

Superb micro-vascular imaging helps clinicians deliver a more accurate diagnosis. Toshiba is making it possible for clinicians to use ultrasound to see the smallest vessels in and around areas like tumors and lymph nodes, giving them a new way to diagnose disease faster and non-invasively.

Genomics: The future of medicine

A round up of genomics research is presented in this Telegraph anthology of recent articles from international news sources. Millions of dollars are being funneled into a project to "unlock"  DNA, personal genomics could become second nature, and challenges that have held up the science of genomics and its applications are presented.

FDA to oversee genetic and other lab tests

The FDA has announced that more than 11,000 lab-driven diagnostic tests that have never been regulated will now fall under the agency's oversight. This includes cancer screening and genetic testing, an area of research that has exploded in the past couple of decades.

IBA receives FDA approval for its proton therapy specific cone beam CT (CBCT) solution

IBA (Ion Beam Applications SA), the world's leading provider of proton therapy solutions for the treatment of cancer, announces today that it has received combined clearances from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that will enable IBA to market-launch the Proton Therapy specific Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) solution.

'Caring suites' humanize medical imaging

The University of California San Francisco is creating a magical new world of woodland forests and cable cars in a family friendly molecular imaging and radiology suite, reports SF Gate.