Medical Imaging
Articles tagged with Medical Imaging
Comparing AI anatomy segmentation models when ground truth is missing
Ultrasound has potential to alter how the brain responds to pain
Antibody spurs nerve fiber regrowth following spinal cord injury
A novel antibody, NG101, accelerates the regeneration of damaged spinal cord tissue by neutralizing a protein that blocks nerve fiber growth. This therapy enables new nerve fibers to form functional connections, allowing patients to become more independent and potentially recover arm and hand function.
Safer surgeries through laser-induced acoustic imaging #ASA190
Photoacoustic imaging uses lasers to reveal hidden blood vessels and nerve bundles, guiding surgeons for fewer complications. The technique enables real-time augmented reality video feeds during laparoscopic surgeries.
Lab-grown diamond device might change how we measure radiation doses
New ultrasonic needle yields samples 2–3 times larger, potentially reshaping cancer diagnostics
New MRI technology provides a comprehensive view of the human brain
Researchers developed multiplexed MRI technology, enabling simultaneous imaging of signals from multiple molecules in the brain. The technology provides a comprehensive view of the brain's structure, physiology, and molecular processes, allowing for more precise diagnosis and individualized treatment planning.
Doctors urge caution regarding elective MRI in new editorial
Elective MRI screenings may lead to false positives, unnecessary surgery, and emotional harm. Experts argue that detecting certain cancers early is not always beneficial, and the scans can exacerbate anxiety rather than improve quality of life.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Ahead-of-Print Tip Sheet: May 4, 2026
Recent research published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine has made significant advancements in brain imaging and cancer treatment. A new wearable brain imaging system, SmartBrain, enables real-time imaging beyond the lab, capturing high-resolution images of brain activity without requiring patients to remain still.
Novel theranostic approach for radioimmunotherapy achieves curative responses in colorectal cancer tumors
A new pretargeted radioimmunotherapy technique has been shown to be effective and safe in eradicating tumors from a preclinical colorectal cancer model. The multi-step theranostic approach delivers alpha-emitting radiation directly to tumors while limiting exposure to healthy tissues.
Double-slit experiment reveals hidden details between light and matter
Scientists successfully built the smallest X-ray interferometer to measure how X-rays interact with atomic nuclei. This breakthrough technology enables precise measurement of X-ray refraction and provides new avenues for research.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Ahead-of-Print Tip Sheet: April 23, 2026
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in prostate cancer treatment with new imaging techniques and targeted therapies, including a PSMA-targeting antibody and a CD44v6-targeting radiotherapy. These advancements aim to improve patient outcomes by tailoring diagnosis and treatment to individual needs.
SNMMI annual meeting to take place May 30-June 2, 2026
The SNMMI 2026 Annual Meeting will showcase the latest scientific developments driving advances in nuclear medicine, including earlier diagnosis, personalized treatment, and improved disease management for various conditions. The meeting will feature over 150 scientific sessions, satellite symposia, and a cutting-edge exhibit hall.
PET biomarker outperforms established risk score in predicting survival for large B-cell lymphoma patients
A new PET biomarker outperforms established risk scores in predicting survival for large B-cell lymphoma patients. Metabolic tumor volume, derived from PET imaging, was found to be an important predictor of progression-free survival.
Cardiac CT scans see the future: Visualizing "invisible" heart risks
Researchers at Kumamoto University discovered that combining cardiac Computed Tomography (CT) scan markers can identify patients at highest risk for future heart failure and death. The 'delayed phase' scan detects localized scarring and subtle damage throughout the heart muscle, providing a synergistic view of heart health.
People who consume ultra-processed foods have worse muscle health
Researchers found a diet high in ultra-processed foods is associated with higher amounts of fat stored inside thigh muscles. This increased intramuscular fat may increase the risk for knee osteoarthritis. The study suggests that addressing obesity and improving dietary quality are crucial to preserving muscle health.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Ahead-of-Print Tip Sheet: April 10, 2026
Researchers developed a new chelator to improve cancer imaging and therapy. Additionally, analyzing brain glucose uptake in patients with non–small cell lung cancer may help predict prognosis. A targeted PET imaging agent is also being developed to detect liver cancer more effectively.
New study shows linens, not equipment emissions, dominate ultrasound’s carbon footprint
A new JACR study suggests radiology departments should optimize use of linens and disposable supplies to reduce environmental impact and costs. The study found that linens (35%) and other single-use supplies (34%) accounted for most of ultrasound's greenhouse gas emissions.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Ahead-of-Print Tip Sheet: April 3, 2026
Researchers have developed new PET tracers that can track synaptic density in epilepsy and monitor tau buildup in Alzheimer's disease. A novel PET tracer also maps cellular energy use across the body, enabling faster imaging approaches for studying mitochondrial function.
NIH awards $15.8 million to UC Davis Health for major Hispanic-Latino brain health study
The NIH grant will support the creation of a comprehensive long-term dataset on Hispanic and Latino brain aging, examining the factors that matter most for healthy cognitive aging. The study aims to understand how Alzheimer's disease, vascular injury, and other brain changes develop over time in Latino adults.
Markers of lymphoma cancer relapse identified
A new study from the University of Missouri identified over 10 genetic or molecular markers that predict follicular lymphoma relapse early, allowing for targeted surveillance testing. This could improve patient outcomes, reduce unnecessary imaging tests, and lower healthcare costs.
Lipid identification: Chemical fingerprint instead of dye
A new microscopy method can distinguish lipid species in living cells using mid-infrared illumination and optoacoustic detection, producing a unique spectral fingerprint. This approach eliminates the need for chemical labels, reducing stress on cells and enabling real-time lipid mapping.
With help from AI, eye images offer window into cardiovascular risk
A new AI-based system analyzing blood vessels at the back of the eye has been shown to identify people at risk of heart problems with strong correlation. The system, called CLAiR, received Breakthrough Device designation and demonstrates promise as a noninvasive screening method.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Ahead-of-Print Tip Sheet: March 27, 2026
Recent studies published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine have made significant advancements in the field. Researchers have developed a new tracer to detect active collagen turnover following myocardial infarction and evaluated folate-based radioconjugates for ovarian cancer imaging. Additionally, targeted radiotherapy shows promise ...
University of Houston BRAIN Center finds exposure to nature associated with reductions in negative emotions
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 33 studies found that nature exposure is associated with reductions in negative emotions and increases in positive emotions. Experts recommend integrating nature into urban design to promote brain health and treat mental illnesses.
Anil Parsram Bidkar, PhD, receives SNMMI-PCF Young Investigator's Award
Bidkar aims to develop a novel CD46-targeted radiotheranostic platform to treat metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. His proposal focuses on overcoming tumor heterogeneity and improving treatment outcomes.
Kiran Solingapuram Sai, PhD, receives SNMMI Mars Shot Research Fund Award
Kiran Solingapuram Sai's research aims to detect microtubule dysfunction early in Alzheimer's disease using a first-in-class PET radiotracer. The study will establish a reproducible imaging framework for this target.
OCT powered by AI-based analytics gives a glimpse into wound healing
Using AI-driven analytical methods, researchers have created a custom OCT system that enables the objective measurement of wound progress over time. The platform shows that stiffer mechanical properties improve wound healing outcomes, with faster transition to intact regenerated tissue.
Terahertz imaging makes a leap toward real-time, non-invasive diagnostics
Scientists at the University of Warwick have developed a fully fibre-coupled terahertz imaging system that significantly improves the speed and clinical practicality of terahertz imaging. The system delivers near video-rate imaging with high spatial resolution, opening up possibilities for rapid, non-invasive diagnosis.
Ansel Hillmer, PhD, and Eric Webb, PhD, receives SNMMI Mars Shot Research Fund Award
Researchers Ansel Hillmer and Eric Webb have received the $100,000 Drs. Jane & Abass Alavi Mars Shot Research Award to advance imaging research in infection and inflammation for Alzheimer's disease. They aim to develop a PET radiotracer targeting CSF1R to diagnose and monitor brain inflammation.
Carolyn J. Anderson, PhD, receives SNMMI Mars Shot Research Fund Award
Dr. Carolyn J. Anderson has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the SNMMI Mars Shot Research Fund to develop a PET radiotracer for imaging vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease. The award will support the production and validation of an easy-to-produce and high-yielding PET radiotracer, 18F-LLP2A, for rapid translation to patients.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Ahead-of-Print Tip Sheet: March 20, 2026
The study investigated the link between heart attack-induced inflammation and cognitive decline, as well as the potential of PET-based metabolic tumor volume to predict CAR T-cell therapy outcomes. Additionally, researchers combined advanced imaging with genetic profiling to explore hidden metabolic patterns in recurrent brain cancer.
Arvin Haj-Mirzaian, MD, and Pedram Heidari, MD, receive SNMMI Mars Shot Research Fund Award
Researchers Haj-Mirzaian and Heidari aim to develop non-invasive imaging biomarker <sup> 18 </sup> F-NaF PET/CT for early calciphylaxis diagnosis in dialysis-dependent patients. This could lead to timely interventions, reduced mortality, and improved patient outcomes.
Chun Li, PhD, receives SNMMI Mars Shot Research Fund Award
Dr. Chun Li has been awarded the SNMMI Mars Shot Research Fund Award to investigate the PET radiotracer 64Cu-DbCD11b for detecting vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. The study aims to assess the non-invasive assessment of vulnerable plaques and aid in patient risk identification and treatment.
David H. Ballard, MD, receives SNMMI Mars Shot Research Fund Award
Dr. David H. Ballard, MD, has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the SNMMI Mars Shot Research Fund to develop novel PET/MR imaging techniques for metabolic activity and inflammation in Crohn's disease. The study aims to improve biologically informed decision-making and guide treatment decisions.
Can a specialized AI model steer doctors toward the right scan?
A specialized AI model, AMIR-GPT, has been developed to improve radiology guideline alignment, outperforming general purpose models in 33.3% of test responses. However, the model's performance varied across performance bands, and qualitative review revealed limitations, such as omissions and deviations from standard recommendations.
Chinese Neurosurgical Journal reports faster robot-assisted brain angiography
A Chinese study reports a 100% technical and clinical success rate for robot-assisted brain angiography, with median procedure times 11 minutes shorter than manual angiography. No added radiation or complications were observed, showcasing the feasibility and safety of the YDHB-NS01 system
Scan that makes prostate cancer cells glow could cut need for biopsies
A new imaging test, PSMA PET/CT scan, has been shown to safely reduce the number of biopsies needed for suspected prostate cancer, with no harm to patients. The PRIMARY2 trial found that the scan could identify low-risk patients who did not need a biopsy, while targeting suspicious areas for those who did.
IEEE researchers achieve 20x signal boost in cerebral blood flow monitoring with next-generation interferometric diffusing wave spectroscopy
Researchers optimize interferometric diffusing wave spectroscopy technique to boost weak optical field returning from the brain, achieving over 20x signal to noise ratio. The novel approach provides higher brain sensitivity compared to DCS-inspired approaches and is approximately two orders of magnitude less expensive.
Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study develops radiomics model to predict secondary decompressive craniectomy
A Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study developed a radiomics-based machine learning model to identify high-risk patients with traumatic brain injury who require emergency decompressive surgery. The model accurately distinguished patients who later required secondary surgery, suggesting its potential to complement clinical judgment.
Generative artificial intelligence in medical imaging: foundations, progress, and clinical translation
Generative AI in medical imaging enables data synthesis, image enhancement, and modality translation to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes. The review discusses challenges and future prospects, including convergence with large-scale foundation models and multimodal information for holistic understanding.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Ahead-of-Print Tip Sheet: March 6, 2026
Researchers have developed new imaging techniques to detect hidden infections, inflammatory diseases, and cancers, while also evaluating the effectiveness of AI-powered tumor measurement and targeted radiotherapy for advanced solid tumors.
Automated CT scan analysis could fast-track clinical assessments
A new AI-powered tool, Merlin, has been developed to assess 3D abdominal CT scans, identifying anatomical features and predicting disease onset years in advance. The tool surpassed traditional automated tools in tasks such as diagnosing diseases and predicting patient outcomes, with accuracy rates of up to 81%.
Precision tumor imaging with a fluorescence probe and engineered enzymes
Researchers developed a bioorthogonal fluorescence probe and matching reporter enzyme that selectively activates at targeted tumor sites, enabling high-contrast tumor visualization with minimal background. This technology has potential for improving cancer surgery outcomes and may also be adapted for targeted drug delivery.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine ahead-of-print tip sheet: February 27, 2026
Researchers have developed a new PSMA-targeted PET tracer that shows promise in early human studies, providing strong tumor uptake and favorable radiation dosimetry. Additionally, advanced dynamic PET imaging has been used to track heart amyloid buildup more precisely, detecting significant reductions after six months of tafamidis ther...
Targeted PET/CT predicts early treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis patients
A new targeted PET/CT tracer can detect treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis patients as little as four weeks after treatment initiation. The imaging technique uses macrophages, a type of white blood cell, as a biomarker for disease activity, potentially allowing non-responders to pursue more effective therapies.
Quantitative FDG PET and MRI framework detects emerging form of dementia, "LATE"
A novel quantitative imaging approach using PET and MRI can identify limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE), a distinct neurodegenerative disorder resembling Alzheimer's disease. This framework may guide targeted diagnostic work-up and personalized care for dementia patients.
New medical imaging technology to aid bone removal in cochlear implant surgery
Researchers developed an AI method to predict mastoidectomy shape before surgery, enabling better navigation and visualization for surgeons. The approach achieved a high Dice score of 0.72 compared to popular medical imaging models.
University of Houston professor warns of nerve stimulation during MRI
Researchers found that implanted cuff electrodes can trigger unintended nerve stimulation during MRI, causing discomfort or pain. The study recommends more refined guidelines and careful safety considerations to mitigate this risk.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine ahead-of-print tip sheet: February 20, 2026
Researchers have made significant advancements in nuclear medicine by developing a new reporting framework for PET/CT scans, using targeted radiation therapy to treat sarcoma, and investigating how genetic mutations affect prostate cancer treatment outcomes. These studies aim to improve diagnosis and treatment for various cancers.
New material boosts MRI image quality
Researchers have developed a lightweight antenna that improves signal strength and image sharpness in MRI scans, particularly for deep or delicate tissues like the eye and brain. The technology has the potential to transform diagnostics by reducing scan times and increasing accuracy.
Screening increases survival rate for stage IV breast cancer by 60%
Women with stage IV breast cancer detected through screening have a 60% chance of survival ten years after diagnosis, compared to under 20% without screening. Screening may not be too late to treat successfully, even at the most serious stage of the disease.
Combining AI with OCT shows potential for detecting lipid-rich plaques in coronary arteries
Researchers developed a new method for extracting spectral information from OCT images and combining it with AI to identify lipid-rich plaques. The approach shows strong classification performance and can highlight suspicious regions throughout the image.
Magnetic resonance imaging opens the door to better treatments for underdiagnosed atypical Parkinsonisms
A new study uses advanced MRI to accurately diagnose progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD), two underdiagnosed conditions. This breakthrough enables precise clinical trials and transforms treatment options for patients with balance problems, falls, stiffness, or difficulties with speech and movement.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Ahead-of-Print Tip Sheet: February 13, 2026
Researchers are testing new targeted radiation approaches for early colorectal cancer, HER2-positive breast cancer, and advanced prostate cancer. Imaging tools track treatment movement and help evaluate dosing and safety.
Elephant trunk whiskers exhibit material intelligence
Researchers discovered functional gradients in elephant and cat whiskers, allowing for precise touch sensing. The stiff-to-soft transition enables elephants to navigate their environment with ease, including picking up delicate objects.
Ken Herrmann to be next Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine
Ken Herrmann will lead the journal for five years, focusing on global engagement and impact. He succeeds Johannes Czernin, who guided JNM through significant growth and expansion.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Ahead-of-Print Tip Sheet: February 6, 2026
Researchers used advanced PET imaging techniques to study the effects of traumatic spinal cord injuries on nerve cells. Additionally, whole-body PET scans were used to map brain-body immune cross-talk during immune responses.
AI model can read and diagnose a brain MRI in seconds
A new AI-powered model can read a brain MRI and diagnose neurological conditions with up to 97.5% accuracy, predicting treatment urgency and automating alerts for immediate medical attention. The technology has the potential to transform neuroimaging at health systems across the US, reducing workload and improving patient outcomes.