A small animal micro CT scanner that images pathological changes in experimental animals in a non-invasive fashion is available to researchers investigating animal models of human disease. Purchased by the School of Medicine and housed in the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR), the Scano Scanner Viva CT is a central piece of a joint research facility venture between Stony Brook and the Northport VA.

Pictured next to the Scano Scanner Viva CT, housed in the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) facility in the basic sciences tower of the HSC, are, from left: Richard N. Fine, M.D., Dean, School of Medine; Tom Zimmerman, D.V.M., Director, DLAR; Richard Lin, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine and Physiology & Biophysics; Hussein Foda, M.D., Associate Chief of Staff for Research, Northport VA, and Wadie Bahou, M.D., Vice Dean, Scientific Affairs.

Recent advances in the production of genetically engineered models (mainly mice) have created a great need among researchers to examine the pathological phenotype caused by these genetic manipulations. The resolution built in to the micro CT scanner is high with images up to 15 microns. This allows researchers to visualize and examine blood vessel formation in tumors, as well as reconstruct tissues and entire organs accurately and multi-dimensionally in vivo.

The scanner complements a three-dimensional ultrasound system, another valuable piece of equipment in the DLAR imaging core facility. The 3-D ultrasound system enables researchers to perform dynamic cardiac imaging and to visualize blood flow within the animal. The rapidity of the image capturing of both machines makes repeated screening of changes of bone, fat, muscle and tumor formation and growth easy and efficient.

The DLAR is a specialized research facility in Life Sciences and Biomedicine in the School of Medicine. The DLAR is fully committed to the judicious, humane use of animals in research and teaching. The Division provides quality care for more than 15 species of laboratory animals in five facilities on campus. For more about the DLAR, see website:http://www.umic.sunysb.edu/index.htm

For more information about the small animal CT scanner and current research projects using the scanner, please contact the DLAR at 444-2194.