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  • 8/28/2012

TUM scientist to receive Reinhart Koselleck Project funding from DFG

1.25 million euro for thermoacoustic imaging project

The German Research Foundation (DFG) has singled out TUM’s Prof. Vasilis Ntziachristos for Reinhart Koselleck Project funding. Over the next five years, he will receive 1.25 million euro to develop a novel high-resolution imaging technique. The new method is based on the previously little-explored area of near-field thermoacoustic tomography. The DFG reserves Reinhart Koselleck funding for outstanding researchers with a proven scientific track record to pursue exceptionally innovative or higher-risk projects.

Left image: Cross section of a mouse taken with the NRT tomography. The image on the right was generated with a conventional imaging method and shows the same region. Image: V. Ntziachristos/TUM
Left image: Cross section of a mouse taken with the NRT tomography. The image on the right was generated with a conventional imaging method and shows the same region. Image: V. Ntziachristos/TUM

Near-field thermoacoustics measurement is a totally new imaging technique that is likely to benefit medical practitioners and biology researchers. Thermoacoustic imaging works by exposing the tissue to harmless wide-band short-pulse transient electromagnetic radiation. The irradiated area heats up, causing tiny vibrations which can be recorded using ultrasound detectors. This results in high-contrast and ultra-high-resolution radiofrequency images of normal tissues, tumors and other pathological changes, even if the area of interest is embedded deep within tissue.
 
Now that he has been granted Reinhart Koselleck Project funding, Prof. Ntziachristos and his team will advance their research into the basics of near-field thermoacoustic measurements and imaging, and systematically document their findings. In particular, they will investigate how to optimize the impact of electromagnetic waves on tissue for imaging purposes. Another priority will be to develop a measurement and imaging method that doctors can use for mobile diagnostics and check-ups. “Near-field thermoacoustics is a very exciting new development in high-resolution diagnostic and theranostic imaging,” says Prof. Vasilis Ntziachristos. “Thanks to the DFG funding, we can explore it in great depth over the next few years.”

Contact:
Prof. Dr. Vasilis Ntziachristos
Chair for Biological Imaging
Technische Universität München
Trogerstr. 9
81675 Munich
Germany
Tel: +49 89 289-23567
E-mail: v.ntziachristosspam prevention@tum.de
http://www.cbi.ei.tum.de/

Technical University of Munich

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