Developing a high-resolution imaging tool for small animals

A 0.5 mm resolution total-body small-animal PET

NIH-funded research University of California at Davis · NIH-11001942

This study is working on a new, super-clear PET scanner for small animals like mice, which will help scientists see detailed images of the brain and other diseases, making it easier to understand how these conditions work and test new treatments before they are used in people.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11001942 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating a new type of small-animal positron emission tomography (PET) scanner that can achieve a resolution of 0.5 mm. By improving spatial resolution and sensitivity, the scanner aims to enhance imaging capabilities for various applications, including brain imaging and studying diseases in mouse models. The project will utilize advanced detector technology to ensure high-quality images, which can help in understanding disease mechanisms and testing new treatments. Ultimately, this tool will serve as a pre-clinical resource to inform future human studies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with conditions that are currently studied using animal models, such as neurological disorders or cardiovascular diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that do not have corresponding animal models or those not involved in pre-clinical imaging studies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate imaging techniques that improve the understanding and treatment of diseases in humans.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in enhancing imaging techniques for small animals, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in the field.

Where this research is happening

Davis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.