NIH-funded research R01 grant

Using AI to improve nuclear imaging technology

Official title: AI-accelerated optical simulation for fast timing nuclear imaging

Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10906979 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is working on making nuclear imaging techniques like PET and SPECT better by using AI to help create clearer and more accurate images, which could lead to improved diagnoses for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project startAugust 15, 2023
Project endJuly 31, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$603,056
NIH project number5R01EB034475-02
Project IDNIH-10906979 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing nuclear imaging procedures, particularly those requiring PET or SPECT scans.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not require nuclear imaging or those with conditions that do not involve the use of PET or SPECT technology may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the performance of nuclear imaging technologies, specifically positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). By developing an AI-based optical modeling framework, the project aims to accelerate the simulation of how these imaging systems work, allowing for faster and more accurate image formation. This involves integrating complex physics simulations to better understand the optical mechanisms at play in radiation detectors. The ultimate goal is to improve the spatial resolution and quantification capabilities of these imaging techniques, which could lead to better diagnostic outcomes for patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and faster nuclear imaging, improving diagnosis and treatment planning for various medical conditions.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using AI to enhance imaging technologies, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in the field.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California at Davis
    Davis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Roncali, Emilie — University of California at Davis
  • Study coordinator: Roncali, Emilie

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • UC Davis IGA Innovation Center

    A research center at UC Davis will study gene-edited livestock to improve animal health, safety, and policy through sharing genetic data and findings about genome edits in cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats.

    NIH research University of California at Davis · Davis, United States · NIH-11641870

  • Administrative Core of an equitable breast cancer screening program

    A national program headed from UC Davis is coordinating several research efforts to improve how breast cancer screening is done in community settings.

    NIH research University of California at Davis · Davis, United States · NIH-11622111

  • The role of novelty and surprise in learning for people with Alzheimer’s disease

    A study explores how surprising events affect memory and learning in people related to Alzheimer’s disease, using everyday tasks to see how the brain remembers new information.

    NIH research University of California at Davis · Davis, United States · NIH-11617755

  • Understanding how distraction affects students and how to measure it better

    This grant studies why distracted students, including those with ADHD, struggle in real-life learning and tests a clearer way to measure distraction in everyday settings.

    NIH research University of California at Davis · Davis, United States · NIH-11617018

  • California Partnership for Personalized Nutrition

    A California clinical center is testing personalized dietary approaches to improve blood sugar and health for adults with diabetes by using big data and AI to tailor meals.

    NIH research University of California at Davis · Davis, United States · NIH-11605720

  • Advancing gastric cancer care for Latinos through patient-derived tumor models

    Aimed at Latinos with gastric cancer, this project uses patient-derived tumor models to study how cancer biology and treatments work in real tumors.

    NIH research University of California at Davis · Davis, United States · NIH-11603175

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.