Improving the sensitivity of positron emission tomography imaging systems
Official title: Electronic Readout for Next-Generation Ultra-Fast Time-of-Flight Positron Emission Tomography Systems
Funded at University of Calif-Lawrenc Berkeley Lab · NIH-11066494 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on making PET scans better by using new technology to help doctors see clearer images, which could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment plans for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Calif-Lawrenc Berkeley Lab NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | April 5, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $160,787 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB034885-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066494 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include patients undergoing PET scans for cancer diagnosis, neurological disorders, or other conditions requiring detailed imaging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing imaging procedures or those with conditions that do not require PET scans may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the performance of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging systems by developing advanced electronic readout technologies. By improving the timing resolution of these systems, the project aims to achieve better localization of photon events, which can lead to clearer and more accurate imaging results. The methodology involves using state-of-the-art silicon photomultiplier detectors and sophisticated signal processing techniques to significantly boost the sensitivity of PET systems. Patients may benefit from more precise imaging that can improve diagnosis and treatment planning.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to significantly improved imaging techniques that enhance the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment monitoring for various medical conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in enhancing PET imaging systems has shown promising results, indicating that advancements in timing resolution can lead to significant improvements in imaging quality.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Calif-Lawrenc Berkeley Lab
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cates, Joshua William — University of Calif-Lawrenc Berkeley Lab
- Study coordinator: Cates, Joshua William
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
A new PET tracer to help diagnose and stage 4R tau-related brain diseases
A new PET tracer is being tested to help doctors distinguish and stage diseases caused by the 4R form of tau protein in the brain.
-
Dopamine imbalances in OCD and tic disorders explored with brain imaging
A patient-focused look at how dopamine signaling in specific brain areas relates to OCD and tic disorders using PET imaging.
-
PET scans to measure a brain protein (SV2A) in essential tremor
This project uses PET brain scans to look for changes in the SV2A protein in people with essential tremor to help diagnose and follow the condition over time.
-
Using PSMA PET-CT scans to improve monitoring during active surveillance for prostate cancer
This project checks whether adding PSMA PET-CT scans helps find aggressive prostate cancer earlier in men who are being closely watched instead of treated.
-
Understanding how rTMS may reduce brain inflammation in depression and related brain conditions
This study tests whether a noninvasive brain stimulation (rTMS) changes brain inflammation in people with depression and certain brain conditions.
-
PET imaging of alpha-1 receptors in the brain for PTSD
A new PET brain scan to visualize alpha-1 adrenoceptors in people with PTSD to help identify who may benefit from prazosin treatment.
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.