Connectivity
From BioImagingUKWiki
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Topics
What are the most valuable synergies between biological microscopy, research in vivo imaging, and medical imaging?
Members
- Lucy Collinson
Activities
- There will be an informal meeting to discuss various issues relating to Connectivity on Tuesday 14th September from 2-4pm at the Cancer Research UK London Research Institute. The agenda is based on the points outlined below and the outcome of the meeting will feed into an updated version of the Connectivity Working Document. If you would like to attend, please contact Lucy Collinson (lucy.collinson@cancer.org.uk).
You can find directions to the LRI here: [1]
Resources
Background
Correlation of multiple imaging modalities could allow analysis of structure across scales, from whole organisms to tissue microanatomy to subcellular ultrastructure and single protein localization in a single sample.
Interaction between different imaging disciplines is already commonplace in universities and research institutes. Correlative light and electron microscopy is an example of an emerging area that has been relatively easy to develop due to the proximity of facilities and expertise to research groups.
Challenges in forming synergies between imaging modalities
- Non-adjacency of facilities, especially where equipment is large and expensive e.g. distance of synchrotron and medical imaging to research infrastructure
- Lack of cross-disciplinary expertise and training
- Need for development of markers that can be detected across imaging techniques (light, X-ray, electron), requiring interaction of imaging experts with chemists?
- Lack of software for correlating different imaging datasets
Suggestions and discussion points
- Engage all life sciences imaging communities in BioImaging UK (biomedical, synchrotron,…)
- Gather a comprehensive list of imaging techniques e.g. Biological Microscopy X-ray microscopy (microCT, synchrotron), Light microscopy, Electron microscopy, NMR Biomedical imaging Nuclear imaging (SPECT, PET), Electromagnetic imaging (MRI), X-ray imaging (CT) Research in vivo imaging MicroMRI, MicroCT, Light microscopy
- Identify areas where synergies already occur (e.g. light and electron microscopy)...
- Consider appropriate co-location of imaging equipment and expertise at each tier from small to medium and large scale facilities…
- Consider availability of related disciplines at medium and large scale facilities (chemistry, materials, physics, image analysis/ bioinformatics)
- Develop training courses which encompass multiple imaging disciplines
