ABSTRACT
Development of noninvasive, high-resolution, in vivo molecular imaging technologies requires collaboration of basic research scientists, who discover new genes and their function, and imaging scientists, who exploit new imaging techniques based on these findings. Both groups have a common interest in developing and using state-of-the-art imaging technology and developing molecular imaging assays for studying intact biological systems. Imaging technologies allow for noninvasive visualization of the body based on different forms of energy interacting with tissues. Molecular imaging is driven primarily by biological questions and thus, selection of the imaging technology will be determined by various advantages of different modalities rather than by use of one technique for all investigations. Molecular imaging is a broad based platform that unifies multiple disciplines. The tools and strategies of molecular biology and biochemistry are combined with chemistry for the generation of new imaging probes to use with sophisticated imaging technologies.
