The Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Imaging is designed to facilitate the sharing of information and resources between researchers in various imaging related fields. On occasion, CMBI has provided direct financial support to research projects that had great promise but no immediate resources available. All three of the Center’s pilot programs have gone on to receive grant support.
Research
Art Imaging Initiative
The Art Imaging Initiative began as a pilot project to determine the utility of pump-probe microscopy in imaging historical pigments funded by the Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Imaging. It then grew into a partnership with the North Carolina Museum of Art, then the National Gallery of Art, and has recently received federal funding support …
Neutron Stimulated Emission Computed Tomography
The Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Imaging provided pilot funding for Prof. Anuj Kapadia’s collaborative research into Neutron Stimulated Emission Computed Tomography (NSECT) spectroscopic examinations of tissue using the Spallation Neutron Sources (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Labs (ORNL). Three aspects of the SNS were investigated to determine the feasibility of performing NSECT experiments: a) …
Nicotine and Melanin Correlations
A collaborative research project between Chemistry, Radiology, Dermatology, Surgical Oncology, and Mathematics (NIH R01-CA166555) revealed that it is possible to detect nicotine in melanin in existing melanoma samples. This was an interesting development because literature suggests that smokers have a decreased risk of melanoma. However, this fell outside of the original scope of the research. …