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. 

SPECT/CT may save more than $1.7M over 3 years in total knee replacement surgeries

By 2030, some 3.5 million Americans are expected to be living with total knee replacements. The price of performing total-knee arthroplasty (TKA) revision surgery continues to rise, costing 60 percent more than the initial replacement. Researchers set out to identify a more cost-effective method.

March 30, 2018
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Diamonds are an MRIs best friend, may increase imaging sensitivity

A new molecular technique using modified diamonds could increase the sensitivity of an MRI and improve patient diagnosis, according to a University of Melbourne press release.

March 28, 2018

New molecular imaging approach could aid vast areas of health, disease

A new multimodal imaging approach produced highly-advanced molecular three-dimensional (3D) images of staph infection and may be instrumental in fighting antibiotic resistant infections, according to research published in Science Translational Medicine.

March 16, 2018

Electromagnetic radiation PET imaging agent helps predict lung cancer therapy success

Researchers from Stanford University and two universities in China have recently developed a PET scan-compatible imaging agent that may help predict which lung cancer patients would benefit from a widely used drug or treatment, according to a recent Stanford news release.

March 8, 2018

PET imaging agent targets copper in tumors for early detection of prostate cancer recurrence

Italian researchers found an innovative nuclear medicine imaging agent that targets copper buildup in tumors to detect prostate cancer recurrence in patients with biochemical relapse.

March 6, 2018

New machine learning algorithm reveals biological networks in human cells

Northwestern University researchers may have uncovered how parts inside human cells interact with each other thanks to a newly developed machine learning algorithm technology.  

February 13, 2018

Cryo-electron tomography finds cell transport linked to neurological disorders

Researchers from the Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have provided what they claim is the first 3D visualization of the dynein-dynactin complex bound to microbubbles, which is responsible for cell division and preventing the development of neurological diseases. 

February 9, 2018

3D imaging study finds direct correlation between glands, embryos in early pregnancy

Researchers from the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center used 3D imaging to show molecular transactions that occur during the earliest stages of pregnancy, according to a recent Cincinnati Children's release.  

February 9, 2018

Around the web

Automated AI-generated measurements combined with annotated CT images can improve treatment planning and help referring physicians and patients better understand their disease, explained Sarah Jane Rinehart, MD, director of cardiac imaging with Charleston Area Medical Center.

Two advanced algorithms—one for CAC scores and another for segmenting cardiac chamber volumes—outperformed radiologists when assessing low-dose chest CT scans. 

"Gen AI can help tackle repetitive tasks and provide insights into massive datasets, saving valuable time," Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, said Tuesday. 

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