Research Description
Positron emission tomography (PET) is an in vivo molecular imaging modality which relies on radioactive isotopes embedded within biologically active molecules, called PET tracers. After administration of such tracers to a patient or study subject, the emitted radiation from the decay of the isotope penetrates the tissues and can be detected by the external camera to produce an image of the tracer’s biodistribution. Since its inception about 50 years ago, PET has been extensively used for cancer, cardiac and brain imaging in both basic research of human health and in clinical practice. Our research is focused on development of novel PET radiotracers for in vivo imaging of brain biomarkers implicated in a variety of neuropsychological and neurodegenerative conditions and improving the efficiency of radiolabeling procedures.