Mapping Out The Future Of Biomedical Imaging

In the past century, astounding contributions to the biomedical imaging field have continuously improved the ability to look inside the human body non-invasively. 

X-rays were the only means to do it initially. But other energy forms, which include ultrasound and electromagnetic fields, have evolved imaging from being used only for patient care to the studies of biological structure and function. 

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Low-quality images are also a thing of the past. New technology has provided high-definition and three-dimensional images, and in some instances, videos. These have shaped how diagnosis and treatment are being performed. 

Considering the proximity of imaging technology to the practical limits of spatial resolution in all modalities, improving image quality is no longer the major driver of innovation in imaging. 

What physicists are striving to achieve now is a reduction in radiation dosage to minimize the patient’s exposure to its harmful effects. The medical field had already come a long way from the early limitations of X-ray when radiation exposure was much higher than it was today. Still, it is a legitimate concern. 

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Efficiency of resource utilization is also an objective of technical innovation. A significant reduction in cost is seen to make it more accessible to more people. 

Additionally, the scarcest of resources – time – needs to be saved by speeding up the scan or imaging time to provide results as early as possible. This will benefit not only patients but also the physicians and medical workers.

Akash Monpara is currently a student in John Hopkins University, majoring in biomedical engineering. Connect with this Google+ account to read more about the industry.

The Potential Role of Nanotechnology in Cancer Management

A team of international researchers has recently discovered that nanotechnology may actually be used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This suggests amazing possibilities, including a more precise way of eliminating tumors with only minimal damage to healthy cells and tissues. It also opens up opportunity for early detection and eradication of cancer cells even before they form into tumors. 

Image source: nyas.org

Most of the work on cancer treatment through nanotechnology is still in progress, but scientists and medical researchers are more than determined to make these treatments a reality. Several international cancer institutes are collaborating with researchers to resolve the major difficulties in the research and development stage. Experts hope to finish this feat within the decade. 

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The main objective of the study is to make cancer detection less painful and invasive. It aims to use highly sensitive nanotechnology to diagnose cancer through blood, urine, or saliva sample from the patient. The creation of nanocrystals for the treatment of patients is also in the works. Nanocrystals help in producing better images of cancer cells that will significantly contribute to improving surgical procedures. The patient will swallow a magnetized nanocrystal with an embedded drug, and through the use of a magnetic resonance scanner, the nanocrystals can be controlled and directed to the tumor. Ultrasound is then used to break the crystal and release the drug to treat and eliminate cancer cells. This allows the drug to concentrate on the tumor instead of spreading all throughout the body and affect even healthy cells, which is a common side effect of chemotherapy. 

Akash Monpara is a student at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore finishing his degree in biomedical engineering. For more about him, visit this page.