Life Science Technologies: Molecular Imaging—No Swiss Army Approach

Abstract

Imaging of living subjects is of growing importance in biomedical research, particularly in the field of molecular imaging, which represents the cutting edge of these technologies. Utilizing novel technologies and new imaging agents, molecular imaging is allowing scientists to noninvasively visualize specific molecular targets and dynamic events in living animals. Major advances have recently been made in the ability to detect multiple signals simultaneously, enabling visualization of the complex orchestra of molecular communications like never before. Multimodal imaging is gaining momentum, with fusion technologies that combine the power of individual structural and molecular approaches. Ultimately, the hope is that molecular imaging will yield critical information that accelerates the development of diagnostics and therapeutics.