Improving PET imaging for better disease detection in small animals

Maximizing sensitivity for ultra-low dose PET imaging

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-10873001

This study is working on a new type of PET scanner that helps scientists see tiny details in mice and rats, making it easier to track how diseases develop and understand biological processes, all while using very low doses of radiation.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10873001 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the sensitivity and spatial resolution of small-animal positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, which is crucial for studying various biological processes in living organisms. By developing a new total-body PET scanner specifically designed for ultra-low dose applications, the project aims to improve the ability to visualize and quantify radiotracers in small regions of mice and rats. The innovative scanner will utilize advanced detector technology to ensure high sensitivity and resolution, enabling researchers to capture dynamic biological events and monitor disease progression more effectively.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are small animal models, specifically mice and rats, used in preclinical studies.

Not a fit: Patients who are not involved in preclinical animal studies or those who do not have access to small-animal imaging technologies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and sensitive imaging techniques that improve disease detection and monitoring in preclinical models.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing PET imaging techniques, indicating that this approach has the potential for 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.