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Tuesday, January 5, 2010

How To Learn the Latest in Molecular Imaging Research

The main issue is to primarily understand what a molecule is. Essentially, any substance or chemical is made up of particles called atoms, which then form molecules. Thus the molecule is a very tiny element that cannot be readily seen by our eyes. We can try to imagine molecules by looking at water for example, and trying to convey the picture that inside the liquid there are millions of small components moving and essentially making up the fluid. This is also the case in solids and gases. The only difference is that in solids the molecules are packed up together very tightly with very little spaces in between, thus causing the solid to be firm in its shape. On the other hand in the case of liquid the spaces between the molecules are a bit bigger so that the molecules can move about more, causing liquids to flow and to be poured. And in the case of gases the spaces are very large and so the molecules move around easily and at great speeds, thus enabling gases to be the most flexible in shape.

After conceptualising the basic idea of molecules, we can now move onto explaining what is Molecular Imaging research. Basically, it is all about trying to formulate an image out of the formation that molecules make on a biological level in a living object, such as a human being. This method is being used on a medical level on patients who suffer from particular diseases.

The fact that molecules are studied in their original environment is an advantage as it helps in better trying to understand their processes. Thus, when there is an abnormality, that is a disease in the case of a patient, it can be studied better. In such a way the basis of the disease can be studied from its core rather from the side effects that it generates in the body or organism it has settled in.

Images are created mainly via sound, light and magnetism. Methods such as ultrasound, MRI and fluorescence are used to project images of the state, shaping and composition of molecules. Obviously there are other techniques and each vary in method, depth, sensitivity and cost. Some are more suitable in certain cases and diseases than others, but this goes into more medical depths and specific medical and scientific terminologies. In order to keep this simple it will suffice to appreciate the value of this research in that these methods are used to try to understand, help in treatments and ultimately hopefully find better cures for diseases such as tumours.

Molecular Imaging research is in the process of becoming better and more advanced as any medical and technological researching aims to do. Thus, while appreciating past findings we need to keep working in making further studies so that molecular imaging will continue to grow and provide better ways to treat and cure patients. All this will require dedicated work, study and funds, but the future will promise well if the professionals who work in such areas do their best to extract the most out of their continuous research and expertise.

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