High Resolution 3D Preclinical Photoacoustic Tomography Scanner

Mice are often used in research to model diseases such as cancer on account of their biological similarities to humans. In order to study the disease and assess new treatments, it is important to be able to visualise the internal tissues and organs of the mouse. In this proposal, we request a new type of imaging instrument called a photoacoustic scanner for this purpose. This works by delivering pulses of laser light to the skin and generating sound waves which are used to form a detailed 3D image. The system will allow us to study many diseases and help understand their biology and develop new treatments. For example, it will enable us to study the fatty plaques that clog up arteries and can cause heart attacks or strokes, visualise the development of cancers and evaluate their response to new drugs and develop new insights into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.