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Levels of gene-expression-regulating enzyme altered in brains of people with schizophrenia

A study using a PET scan tracer has identified epigenetic differences between the brains of individuals with schizophrenia and those of unaffected participants. Reduced histone deacetylase (HDAC) levels were observed in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is important for executive functions affected by schizophrenia.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 14, 2018

Healing kidneys with nanotechnology

A new method for treating and preventing acute kidney injury (AKI) has been developed using tiny, self-assembling forms of DNA origami nanostructures. These nanostructures were shown to protect the kidneys from harm as effectively as the leading drug therapy and alleviate symptoms of AKI.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateNov 8, 2018

Novel PET imaging method could track and guide therapy for type 1 diabetes

Researchers have developed a novel PET imaging method that can measure beta-cell mass, enhancing the ability to monitor and guide diabetes therapies. The new imaging method uses a radioligand to identify beta cells and has shown promising results in differentiating between healthy individuals and those with type 1 diabetes.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateAug 2, 2018

Novel PET imaging method more fully evaluates extent of rheumatoid arthritis inflammation

A new PET imaging method evaluates the extent of rheumatoid arthritis inflammation by targeting translocator protein (TSPO) expression in joint lining tissue. The study demonstrates that TSPO PET can image not only synovial macrophages but also activated synovial fibroblasts, a critical process in RA pathogenesis.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 9, 2018

Pathway of Alzheimer's degeneration discovered

Researchers at McGill University used sMRI and PET scans to track brain degeneration in early-stage Alzheimer's disease, revealing a link between cholinergic neurons and cortical regions. The study suggests that combining PET with sMRI may be a powerful tool for diagnosing Alzheimer's before cognitive symptoms appear.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 4, 2018

New theranostic strategy developed for precise tumor diagnosis and therapy

A novel intelligent theranostic agent was designed to target tumors, with the ability to self-assemble in the tumor microenvironment and activate for therapy guided by photoacoustic imaging. The clusters showed high selectivity to the tumor microenvironment and eliminated tumor growth without subsequent recurrence.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 25, 2018

Novel nuclear medicine probe will help assess new drugs for neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers have developed a novel nuclear medicine probe that can detect synaptic density loss in the brain, a key biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The probe, using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, has high imaging characteristics and is suitable for clinical trials and commercialization.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 24, 2018

Improved PSMA-targeting agent more effective for prostate cancer diagnosis/therapy in mice

Researchers developed a novel PSMA-targeting agent by conjugating MCG with an albumin-binding Evans blue derivative, improving tumor delivery and increasing the therapeutic effect. The agent showed significant tumor growth inhibition and complete eradication of tumors in mice, suggesting a promising strategy for cancer management.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 23, 2018

Novel PET tracer successfully images cardiovascular infections

A novel PET tracer has been developed to accurately image cardiovascular infections, which are extremely dangerous and have a high fatality rate. The tracer, called 6'-[18F]Fluoromaltotriose, is transported into bacterial cells by a membrane transport system exclusive to bacteria, allowing for specific imaging of bacterial infections.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 23, 2018

Combination pack battles cancer

Scientists have developed a new approach to cancer therapy by combining two synergistic drug components into a dimer, which can be loaded into polymeric nanotransporters at exceptionally high concentration. This method reduces side effects and improves transport and accumulation of drugs in tumors.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 29, 2018

Marker substance for research into brain diseases

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a marker substance to visualize NMDA receptors on nerve cells using positron emission tomography (PET). This will aid in researching various brain diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and depression. The PET tracer may also help determine the correct dosage of drugs influencing NMDA receptor ...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateApr 12, 2018

Learning to see

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed an artificial intelligence technique, AUTOMAP, that enables the production of high-quality images in less time and with lower doses. This approach uses deep learning to automatically determine the correct image reconstruction algorithm, allowing for instant feedback during scanning.

Total-body PET: Maximizing sensitivity for clinical research and patient care

The new total-body PET/CT scanner will advance clinical research and patient care by providing better imaging data from the whole body, reducing radiation exposure and increasing sensitivity. This technology has the potential to change cancer detection and staging methods, as well as improve diagnosis for other systemic conditions.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJan 3, 2018

PET imaging tracks Zika virus infection, disease progression in mouse model

Researchers used PET imaging to study brain inflammation following Zika virus infection in mice, finding a 2- to 6-fold increase in global brain neuroinflammation over time. The technology allows for longitudinal studies of the same animal during the course of the infection, providing enhanced information about disease progression.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalMolecular Imaging and Biology·DateSep 19, 2017