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- Glossary
Positron emission tomography
An imaging technique that helps doctors visualize metabolic processes in the body. The patient is injected with a weakly radioactive substance that emits positrons, i.e., beta radiation. When the positrons encounter electrons in the body, energy is released in the form of two photons. These photons travel in opposite directions. Detectors are arranged around the patient in the PET scanner to register the photons that strike them. This makes it possible to track whether the radioactive substance accumulates in certain areas of the body, which can indicate the presence of a tumor, for example. Positron emission tomography is also used in the early diagnosis of dementia. The radiation exposure is low and acceptable in a medical context.
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- Milestones
Rita Levi-Montalcini: How Nerves grow
Despite being banned from her profession and persecuted, Rita Levi-Montalcini enjoyed a brilliant career in research.
28.09.2012
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- Basics
- Communication of Cells
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- News from the Institutes
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- News from the Institutes
Insights into Smelling Problems Associated with Alzheimer’s
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- News from the Institutes
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