Better images for science

Jens Bankstahl ( left ) and Tobias Ross next to a combination device for preclinical positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in the Department of Nuclear Medicine ; Copyright: Karin Kaiser / MHH - German Research Foundation supports MHH Department of Nuclear Medicine with around 900,000 euros for the expansion of molecular imaging In order to detect and research diseases, it is important to look inside the body. For this purpose, there are various imaging methods - from ultrasound examinations to X-rays and computer tomography. Molecular imaging provides a particularly precise insight, showing biological processes and organ functions "live" and can thus reveal the course of a disease or the effectiveness of a treatment at an early stage. In this regard, the Department of Nuclear Medicine at Hannover Medical School (MHH) has been offering technology and expertise to research groups inside and outside the MHH to support their scientific work since 2012. With the new funding as a "core facility" on the topic of "Standardised Preclinical Molecular Imaging with Flexible Radiopharmaceuticals", the department wants to improve the offer even further in future, expand the infrastructure and provide a kind of toolbox for the various needs relating to the scientific questions. The German Research Foundation (DFG) is funding the project with about 900,000 euros over five years. "This is a project that is unique in Germany in this form," emphasises Frank Bengel, Director of the Department of Nuclear Medicine and Dean of Research at MHH.