Technology for the Environment

Scenario 2020: Microscopic Miracles
Eduardo has colon cancer. But in 2020 such a diagnosis is far from threatening. Genetic screening has encouraged frequent blood testing, which has resulted in early identification of his tumor. Molecular imaging agents allow the tiny tumor to be perfectly visualized on a scanner. Miniaturization and knowledge-based diagnostics make a virtual biopsy possible. And on-the-spot micro-surgical intervention ensures that no cancer cells are left behind
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Trends: Dissecting the Disease Machine
The potential benefits of molecular medicine are immense. At the top of the list is the promise of early disease detection and treatments optimized for each patient. Getting from here to there will take us on a journey through the genome and require the integration of colossal amounts of data as we seek to understand and manage the mechanisms of disease
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In Vitro Diagnostics: The Right Mix
The acquisitions of Diagnostic Products Corporation and Bayer Diagnostics have brought exciting new technologies to Siemens—opening the door to a revolutionary symbiosis of the previously separate worlds of laboratory data and clinical imaging
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In Vivo Diagnostics: Nipping Deadly Diseases in the Bud
Researchers are developing biomarkers that bind to key substances associated with Alzheimer’s, cancer and heart disease. As they learn to visualize these biomarkers with refined imaging technologies, they are discovering how to identify initial changes in cell metabolism, and opening the door to new therapies
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Detecting Cancer with Ultrasound
Along with PET and SPECT, ultrasound is also becoming established as a molecular imaging modality. Here too, research is focused on the development of new contrast media that can help to detect diseased structures at an early stage
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Molecular Therapy: Zeroing in on Cancer
Researchers have developed iron nanoparticles that zero in on tumors. The particles can be used as drug delivery vehicles or can be exposed to focused magnetic fields, thus delivering lethal heat to hard-to-reach lesions
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Research Cooperation UHF-MRT: Focusing on Single Cells
Ultra-high field magnetic resonance tomographs and new types of MR-PET scanners will detect pathological processes at the cellular level
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Research Cooperation DCE-MRI: Visualizing Tumor Growth
Software now under development promises to help specialists identify malignant tumors more accurately than ever before. A new graphic interface is the key
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Combining Images and Lab Results
Interview mit Prof. Detlev Ganten, Prof. Detlev Ganten, Chairman of the Board of Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin, on combining images and lab results
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Knowledge-Based IT: Digging out the Data
Our knowledge of the human genome is stored in gigantic databases. New software is now capable of mining this vast mass of data to uncover the key connections, such as which genes play a role in cancer and how such genes interact. The resulting information makes it easier to develop new medications
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Facts and Forecasts: Market of the Future
Molecular medicine is an interdisciplinary area of research. Its goal is to understand the processes that occur on the cellular and molecular levels in healthy and sick people. The knowledge gained here is used to develop procedures to keep people healthy, prevent diseases, and diagnose, treat and cure illnesses. Examples range from DNA-based genetic tests for epidemiological studies to the development of vaccines and genetic therapies
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Tomorrow’s Treatments
Interview with Ralph Weissleder, Professor of Radiology at the Harvard Medical School and Director of the Center for Molecular Imaging Research at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. A leader in the emerging field of molecular imaging research, Weissleder has developed methods for detecting cancer cells using magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and new, optical technologies
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In Brief
Developments, contacts, links, literature
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