Townsend's contributions to nuclear medicine have been transformative, introducing 3D PET imaging and the combined PET/CT scanner. His work has improved the signal-to-noise of reconstructed images without increasing detector material cost.
A RAND Corporation study found that implementing CDS tools led to a small reduction in inappropriate advanced imaging studies, increasing the proportion of tests rated as appropriate. However, challenges persist due to limited criteria availability and tool limitations.
The Universities of Leicester and Nottingham are developing a mini hybrid gamma ray camera to improve the diagnosis of tumours and lymph nodes from patients' bedsides. This handheld 'hybrid' technology combines optical and gamma imaging, allowing for more accurate surgical cancer treatments and reducing mortality and morbidity.
Scientists at Walailak University and Hokkaido University report the first full 3D scan of a single biological cell, achieving micron resolution with picosecond ultrasonics. This technique allows for nondestructive imaging of living cells, opening new avenues for studying their physical properties.
Experts recommend using ultrasound as the first line of imaging for patients with pelvic symptoms due to its cost-effectiveness and safety. Ultrasound has evolved to be an effective tool for evaluating gynecologic patients, providing accurate results without radiation exposure.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that adding two non-invasive imaging tests to traditional cardiovascular disease risk factor assessment can more accurately predict a healthy patient's future risk of heart attack, stroke, or premature death. The study identified subclinical atherosclerosi...
A new study found that cancer patients have variable knowledge about imaging tests, with most wanting basic education about radiation use and understanding how tests differ. Patients also desired information on potential long-term risks and participation in decision-making about medical imaging.
A study published in JAMA found that early imaging for back pain in older adults did not lead to better outcomes, but rather increased costs. The study compared function and pain at 12 months among patients who received early imaging versus those who did not.
The study found that cardiac PET/CT imaging diagnosed heart problems with certainty 88% of the time, while SPECT imaging gave a clear diagnosis only 30% of the time. This technology reduces unnecessary invasive procedures and radiation exposure by a factor of 10.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found high rates of inappropriate imaging for both prostate cancer and breast cancer, suggesting that regional culture and infrastructure play a role in health care utilization patterns. The researchers estimated that 30% of healthcare resources in the US do not improve patient health.
A new study from NYU Langone Medical Center found that over 40% of low-risk prostate and breast cancer patients in certain US regions received inappropriate tests. The research suggests that regional culture and infrastructure play a significant role in the use of imaging tests, with some areas exhibiting more appropriate use than others.
Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München developed an approach to quantify gadolinium-based contrast agents in tissue using MALDI-MS imaging, correlating it with MRI images. This combination improves diagnostic value by detecting tissue-related kinetics of contrast agents used in myocardial infarction models.
Advanced medical imaging increases diagnostic confidence and facilitates rapid diagnoses, leading to better clinical decisions. Primary care physicians perceive imaging as crucial for quality patient care, particularly for sicker patients.
University at Buffalo researchers have designed a nanoparticle that can be detected by six medical imaging techniques, including CT scanning, PET scanning, and photoacoustic imaging. This technology has the potential to provide doctors with clearer pictures of patients' organs and tissues, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment.
A new Yale-developed laser reduces speckle contrast in full-field imaging, enabling brighter and clearer images. The technology combines traditional laser brightness with LED-like properties, addressing a significant barrier in biomedical imaging and microscopy.
A novel imaging technique called restriction spectrum imaging-MRI (RSI-MRI) has been developed to improve the accuracy of prostate cancer detection. RSI-MRI corrects for magnetic field distortions and focuses on water diffusion within tumor cells, providing a more refined sense of the tumor's extent.
A study by RSNA found that patients who have direct access to their imaging exams report high satisfaction with improved healthcare quality and enhanced patient engagement. The use of Internet-based interoperable image exchange systems allows patients to securely store, manage, and share their imaging records.
A new imaging system has shown potential to reduce radiation exposure for patients undergoing intra-arterial therapy (IAT) for liver cancer, with a reduction of up to 80%, compared to standard X-ray platforms. The AlluraClarity platform uses real-time image processing algorithms to achieve high-quality images at lower radiation power.
Researchers developed a fluorescence imaging technique to accurately identify protein receptors in tumors without tissue biopsy. The new approach strongly correlates with clinical immunohistochemistry and may impact oncology patient outcomes.
A new study shows a novel molecular imaging drug is effective in detecting early prostate cancer in soft tissue, lymph nodes, and bone. The drug, Tc-99m MIP-1404, has favorable pharmacokinetics and biodistribution, representing a breakthrough in prostate cancer imaging.
Researchers developed a compact probe that produces detailed images of blood vessels using ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging modalities. The system enables real-time imaging and can reveal important medical information, such as hemoglobin oxygen saturation, for monitoring tumor progression.
Researchers have developed a high-speed imaging technology that can take precise three-dimensional images of plaques lining arteries and identify deposits likely to rupture and cause heart attacks. The system uses a fast-pulsing laser to generate ultrasound signals without damaging tissues.
A new study found that overuse of cardiac stress testing with imaging in the US leads to unnecessary radiation exposure, healthcare costs, and potential cancer risk. The researchers estimated that at least 34.6% of tests were probably inappropriate, resulting in $501 million annual costs and 491 future cases of cancer.
Researchers developed a nonlinear acoustic technique to detect damage previously invisible to acoustic imaging systems. This breakthrough enables intervention before cracks form and predicts the remaining life of engineering structures.
Recent EORTC Imaging Group review highlights MRI and PET's potential for early detection of bone metastases and monitoring treatment response. The study emphasizes the need to overcome current limitations, such as those related to imaging techniques' sensitivity and specificity.
Researchers developed a novel approach to study the 3D structure of plant cell walls using cryo-immobilized samples, revealing previously unseen details. This technique improves our knowledge of plant cell wall composition and can lead to more efficient production of biofuels.
Researchers developed new methods to reduce imaging time in myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) by up to 50%, making scans easier for patients. The methods also correct errors caused by patient movement, resulting in error-free MPI images.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has announced the 2014-2016 Wagner-Torizuka Fellowship recipients, which provide two-year fellowships to support Japanese physicians in early stages of their careers. The fellows focus on functional imaging using modalities such as PET/CT and SPECT/CT to elucidate pathophysiology of...
Scientists at Monash University developed an x-ray imaging system that allows researchers to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for cystic fibrosis. This breakthrough enables non-invasive assessment of treatment efficacy on airway surfaces, accelerating development of new treatments.
Researchers used PET imaging to study Tongxinluo's neuroprotective effects in rats. The study found that Tongxinluo reduced brain damage after middle cerebral artery occlusion, highlighting its potential as a treatment for acute stroke.
DWI-MRI predicts TIA patients who are at higher risk of disabling stroke, which can be prevented with immediate evaluation and treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging has changed the diagnosis of TIA from a time-based definition to a tissue-based one.
Researchers have developed a new ultrafast imaging technique using multi-wavelength lasers to overcome the limitations of traditional imaging systems. This breakthrough enables real-time optical imaging with high resolution and fast frame rates.
Cerebral microbleeds have been shown to be a significant marker for diffuse axonal injury, which can lead to severe neurological disorders. The study highlights the importance of using susceptibility-weighted imaging to detect these tiny changes and evaluate traumatic cerebral microbleeds with high sensitivity.
A new imaging agent has been developed for functional imaging of the intestine, potentially leading to better diagnosis and treatment of gut diseases. The agent uses a combination of photoacoustic imaging and positron emission tomography to provide high-definition images of the intestine in relation to the entire body.
A new study by the University of Sydney found that GP visits and initial assessments for back problems drive a significant rise in diagnostic imaging tests. Most imaging tests comply with guidelines, but GPs are twice as likely to order tests during first consultations.
Researchers assess emergency radiology response after Boston Marathon bombings, highlighting critical role of medical imaging in emergency situations and ways to improve preparedness for mass casualty events. Imaging played a vital role in evaluating extensive shrapnel injuries with X-ray and CT scans.
The Mayo Clinic is leading a collaborative effort to standardize safe imaging protocols for children, proposing three child-centered measures for accreditation: The Right Exam, The Right Way, and The Right Radiation Dose. These protocols aim to reduce harm and improve the quality of care for pediatric patients.
The 2014 SNMMI Annual Meeting showcased over 100 scientific sessions, 750 oral presentations, and 1,155 posters on molecular imaging technologies, clinical applications, and translational research. The meeting also featured notable lectures and awards, including the Henry N. Wagner Jr. Lectureship and the Benedict Cassen Prize.
A novel metamaterial enables fast, efficient and high-fidelity terahertz radiation imaging system capable of manipulating electromagnetic waves. The device uses a series of filter-like masks to retrieve multiple samples of a terahertz scene, which are reassembled by a single-pixel detector.
Researchers at National University of Singapore develop marked ghost imaging technology to secure stored or shared electronic data. The technology hides data contents in multiple foggy files, making it harder for hackers to access.
A new imaging technique combining four approaches can distinguish between malignant and benign breast tumors with high accuracy, potentially avoiding unnecessary biopsies. The multiparameter PET-MRI method showed a 96% success rate in distinguishing malignant from benign tumors.
Researchers developed a small, lightweight device that combines near-infrared fluorescent imaging to detect marked cancer cells with visible light reflectance imaging to see tissue contours. This technology enhances surgeons' ability to precisely remove tumors and minimize healthy tissue damage.
The Journal of Medical Imaging has launched with freely accessible articles on new research in cancer diagnosis, image quality assessment, and other topics. The journal covers fundamental and translational research in medical imaging, spanning physics, tomographic reconstruction algorithms, computer-aided diagnosis, and more.
Researchers used SPECT and PET systems to detect inflammation involved in osteoarthritis, giving doctors a clear read on chronic pain and possible joint destruction. Radiolabeled anti-FAP antibodies showed significantly increased imaging agent uptake in inflamed joints.
Researchers developed a new concept to improve molecular imaging by co-injecting an NEP inhibitor, resulting in up to 40 times increased circulating radiopeptides and improved tumor uptake. This approach could lead to higher diagnostic sensitivity and therapeutic efficacy for cancer patients.
A new study reveals that combining SPECT/CT with conventional bone scans can provide accurate information about the source of low back pain, leading to more effective treatment. The results show that patients who underwent this imaging approach experienced significantly better pain relief outcomes compared to those who did not.
A new PSMA-based imaging agent, F-18 DCFBC PET/CT, has been developed to detect prostate cancer and monitor treatment response. The study shows the agent's effectiveness in detecting both castration-sensitive and castration-resistant forms of the disease.
A new antibody-based molecular imaging agent has been developed to target the HER3 receptor in breast cancer, which may lead to better diagnosis and treatment of high-risk cases. This approach could also help identify patients who would benefit from additional therapies.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that children with heart disease have low lifetime cancer risk from X-rays, but those undergoing repeated complex imaging tests face a slightly increased risk. The study of 337 children aged six and younger showed a 0.07% average increase in lifetime cancer risk.
A comprehensive clinical trial found that SPECT/CT imaging detected significantly more sentinel lymph node involvement with various types of cancers, including melanoma, breast carcinoma, and pelvic malignancies. This improved imaging technique has the potential to alter surgical planning and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers used a novel radioluminescence microscope to study single cells and found unexpected variation. The tool helps personalize radionuclide imaging by characterizing how radiotracers interact with cells.
Researchers can conduct five different imaging studies in one scan with the Opti-SPECT/PET/CT system, providing comprehensive data on anatomy and physiological processes. The device allows for minimally invasive studies with a single dose of anesthesia, enabling scientists to develop new drug discovery methods.
A new study reveals that PET/MR imaging is highly effective in detecting coronary artery disease, outperforming traditional SPECT methods. The hybrid technique provides a comprehensive view of the heart, combining anatomical and functional information for more accurate diagnoses.
A new molecular breast imaging protocol using a higher dose of Tc-99m filtered sulfur colloid has been shown to improve the detection of advanced breast cancer. Imaging performed the day prior to surgery was more sensitive than imaging on the day of surgery, detecting 76% versus 49% of cases with metastasized lymph nodes.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found that gamma and neutron imaging are safe for use in diagnostics, delivering radiation doses comparable to conventional medical imaging. The study aims to develop new imaging technologies to detect disease in its earliest stages.
The University of Houston will bolster its biomedical research capabilities with the recruitment of cancer imaging expert David Mayerich. Mayerich's work focuses on improving diagnosis and treatment through high-performance imaging and modeling of complex tumor structures.
Researchers have developed a new imaging technique to track Multiple Sclerosis (MS) progression from its earliest stages. The study uses QS Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to measure damage in specific brain areas, revealing that even at early disease stages, patients already show significant damage.
Researchers at MIT describe a new technique that could reduce the number of sensors needed for terahertz or millimeter-wave imaging by a factor of 10, enabling more practical high-resolution imaging systems. The technique exploits the sparsity of scenes in certain ranges, allowing for efficient reconstruction without aliasing.
A new high-throughput imaging method called CUBIC enables rapid whole-brain imaging at single-cell resolution, overcoming previous limitations. This allows for unprecedented insights into gene expression patterns and neural networks in the brain.
A new study published in The Lancet found that functional brain imaging techniques, such as PET and fMRI, can reliably predict which vegetative patients have the potential to recover consciousness. The research suggests that these techniques can complement standard behavioral assessments to identify patients with a higher chance of lon...