Groundbreaking Technology for Brain Health

A groundbreaking innovation is underway at UC Davis Health, where the total body scanner known as EXPLORER is now set to tackle a critical challenge: understanding how various diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration affect brain health. This game-changing technology promises to revolutionize medical imaging.

A Team Effort in Medical Research

Led by radiology postdoctoral fellow Kevin Chung along with esteemed faculty members Guobao Wang and Simon Cherry, this project is pioneering a new method to utilize positron emission tomography (PET). The findings, recently published in *Nature Communications*, focus on how this technique can quantitatively assess the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a vital protective membrane for the brain.

The Importance of the Blood-Brain Barrier

The blood-brain barrier is crucial for safeguarding the brain against harmful substances such as pathogens and cancer cells. When functioning optimally, it selectively allows essential molecules to enter, but diseases can compromise its integrity, increasing vulnerability.

A Leap Beyond Traditional Imaging