Simultaneous PET-MR Small Animal Imaging Principal Investigator: Dr. Gerald Entine, Ph.D. Abstract: The ideal biological imaging system would provide non-invasive, high-resolution, high-sensitivity, three-dimensional (3D) images of living systems. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) offers high sensitivity to a range of biological processes through the use of targeted radio labeled probes. Unfortunately, precise signal localization can be extremely difficult due to low spatial resolution and the lack of anatomical information. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can provide high spatial resolution and excellent soft tissue contrast, but suffers from poor signal strength leading to low sensitivity. The overall goal of the proposed effort is to combine the best features of PET and MR modalities for small animal studies into a single, very high performance imaging instrument that will record data in both imaging modalities simultaneously. The most obvious benefit of the integrated system will be to provide high-resolution anatomical context for small-animal PET studies. This will lead to better overall understanding of the origin of the PET signals. The 'in-register'MR images can be used to estimate partial volume errors in the lower-resolution PET scans, thus aiding quantification of the PET signal. To achieve these objectives, a high resolution, high sensitivity PET system will be designed and built and will be tested first on a bench, followed by detailed evaluation inside a commercial small animal MR imaging system.

Public Health Relevance

Simultaneous PET-MR Small Animal Imaging Principal Investigator: Dr. Gerald Entine, Ph.D. Project Narrative: The proposed research will investigate a promising detector technology which should have a major impact in health care, in particular, in the development of detectors for in- vivo imaging. Other areas to which this research could be of benefit are: physics research, materials studies, homeland defense, and non-destructive testing.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
1R44NS066521-01A1
Application #
7906390
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-SBMI-T (10))
Program Officer
Babcock, Debra J
Project Start
2010-03-15
Project End
2011-02-28
Budget Start
2010-03-15
Budget End
2011-02-28
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$149,352
Indirect Cost
Name
Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
073804411
City
Watertown
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02472