Explore more about: Imaging tracer

Researchers are developing new MRI contrast agents that are activated in low oxygen environments enabling improved diagnosis and treatment of hypoxic tumors as well as other diseases.

Investigators have developed and tested a targeted contrast agent that can detect blood clots in the hearts of patients with atrial fibrillation, or an irregular heartbeat. The strategy could be used to find clots in other parts of the body as well, such as in vessels that, when blocked, can lead to stroke.

NIBIB-funded researchers are investigating long-lasting, customizable nanobubbles for ultrasound contrast agents.

A novel method produces a new class of radioactive tracers that are used for medical imaging. The method allows them to attach radioactive atoms to compounds that have previously been difficult or even impossible to label.  The advance will make it easier to track medications in the body and identify tumors and other diseases.

Dr. Sanjay Jain explores "tricorder" from Star Trek, a hand-held scanner waved over a patient to detect injury and heal all manner of maladies.