Combining gamma and PET signals to make much finer pictures of the brain
Development of a combined Gamma/Positron system for molecular imaging of the human brain at sub-500 micron spatial resolution
A new brain scanner that combines gamma and PET signals to create much higher-detail images for people with brain conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11363027 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work is building a novel imaging system that captures both single-gamma and positron (PET) signals to produce much finer images of the human brain. The team will develop new detectors plus software algorithms to precisely locate where tracer signals come from, separate signals from different tracers, and correct for head motion and tissue effects. Early development will focus on detector performance and image reconstruction in the lab, followed by tests that move toward using the system with human scans. The goal is to allow clearer pictures of small brain structures and measure very small amounts of tracer uptake.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who can safely undergo PET/SPECT imaging — including people with neurological conditions (for example, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or epilepsy) or healthy volunteers — could be eligible to participate.
Not a fit: People who cannot receive radioactive tracers (including pregnant individuals) or who have medical implants or conditions that prevent safe scanning are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the technology could let doctors and researchers see much smaller brain structures and detect smaller changes in tracer uptake, improving diagnosis and tracking of neurological diseases.
How similar studies have performed: There is prototype and preclinical work on combining gamma and positron signals, but achieving human brain imaging at sub-500 micron resolution is largely novel and unproven to date.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Furenlid, Lars R — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Furenlid, Lars R
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.