Our Research
Research projects in the Centre for In Vivo Imaging (CIVI) combine innovation in imaging method development with hypothesis-led studies in biological systems.
About our research
Many members of the Centre have expertise and research programmes aligned with individual methodologies. Yet there is a growing trend towards multi-modality imaging. This applies different scanning methods to obtain greater detail about biological processes in vivo.
You can see the breadth of our work from the small selection of research programmes illustrated in our highlighted projects.
Clinical MR
Our clinical MR systems are widely used to address all aspects of clinical investigation across all body areas. Our systems use the latest advanced qualitative and quantitative technologies.
We develop new methods in collaboration with the MR Physics and Methodology Group when necessary. We target these methods to address our clinical hypotheses.
Many of our studies combine multi-parametric imaging and spectroscopic acquisitions to produce a comprehensive picture of:
- regional tissue macrostructure
- microstructure
- physiology
- function
- metabolism
This provides a powerful insight into disease processes and their consequences in the tissue.
The Clinical Lead for this group is Dr David Cousins.
Preclinical MR
The preclinical MR system has varied usage. It provides a test bed to develop new scan sequences through high resolution structural scanning fixed specimens.
This system is a key link in the translational research pathway. It allows us to develop and study important animal models and subsequently move these methods to human studies on our clinical scanner.
Contacts:
- Theme lead is Professor Pete Thelwall.
- Preclinical facility manager is Saimir Luli.
MR Physics and Methodology
The MR Physics and Methodology Group develop innovative new approaches to scanning.
Through research agreements with the scanner manufacturer, we have access to programme new methods on all of our MRI systems. This can extend the fundamental functionality of the scanners.
The Group also develop new radio-frequency (detector) coil systems for our MR scanners when necessary. This is particularly for the preclinical systems, where tailored coils can optimise performance.
Key researchers:
Bioluminescence and Fluorescence Imaging
Our IVIS system is a device for 3D optical imaging in the living animal, funded by the Wellcome Trust.
We are developing novel fluorescent tracers aligned with the key research areas in Newcastle. This is particularly for oncology use and for the detection of tissue fibrosis.
The Theme Lead for this group is Professor Fiona Oakley.
PET Tracer Production
Radiochemistry is central to creating both existing and next generation tracers for PET imaging.
Our radiochemistry research focuses on the development of novel synthetic methodology.
If you have any questions please contact the PTPU Manager Dr Stephen Hobson.