New 3D imaging technique helps detect breast cancer, COVID-19, other diseases
A research team led by UMass Lowell is pioneering a new 3D imaging technique to better detect breast cancer and other diseases, including COVID-19.
The noninvasive medical technology uses specialized contrasting dye that recognizes breast cancer cells, allowing practitioners to better visualize human tissue inside the body. The dye amplifies the X-ray signal in tumors when used together with a state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) scanner, called a photon-counting spectral CT, which produces multi-colored, 3D images. The contrast agents, combined with spectral CT and machine learning, could lead to a more precise diagnosis of the disease and assist significantly in early intervention, said UMass Lowell Chemistry Assistant Prof. Manos Gkikas, who is leading the project, which is funded by a three-year, $750,000 grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center.
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Ken Bates, president and CEO of Open Sky Community Services
The study, which Open Sky announced Thursday, will gauge whether what s known as the Zentangle Method, which encourages participants to relax as they create their patterned drawings called tangles, can improve symptoms and daily functioning. The study, which will include Open Sky patients, will take place by video chat over a 14-week period and include those with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder.
Zentangle Founders Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts are long-time supporters of Alternatives Unlimited, which merged with The Bridge of Central Massachusetts in 2018 to form Open Sky, and who have continued to support the organization. Zentangle volunteers have previously offered free classes to those attending Open Sky s safe drop-in program for LGBTQ youth.
A biotechnology company working on a vaccine to prevent HIV, whose work is licensed by UMass Medical School in Worcester, has won U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to advance its clinical work.
The firm, Worcester HIV Vaccine, was approved for the FDA s investigational new drug process for a vaccine that s aimed at preventing the virus that causes AIDS. An early-stage clinical trial is expected to start this month, with a second-phase trial to follow, the medical school said Friday.
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Dr. Shan Lu
The potential vaccine is based on discoveries by Dr. Shan Lu, a professor of medicine at UMass Medical School and licensed by the Worcester school. Worcester HIV Vaccine was founded more than two years ago, and the investigational drug approval by the FDA is a major achievement in its development, Yegor Veronin, the firm s COO, said in a statement.
LOWELL, Mass. â A research team led by UMass Lowell is pioneering a new 3D imaging technique to better detect breast cancer and other diseases, including COVID-19.Â
The noninvasive medical technology uses specialized contrasting dye that recognizes breast cancer cells, allowing practitioners to better visualize human tissue inside the body. The dye amplifies the X-ray signal in tumors when used together with a state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) scanner, called a âphoton-counting spectral CT,â which produces multi-colored, 3D images.
âThe contrast agents, combined with spectral CT and machine learning, could lead to a more precise diagnosis of the disease and assist significantly in early intervention,â said UMass Lowell Chemistry Assistant Prof. Manos Gkikas, who is leading the project, which is funded by a three-year, $750,000 grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center.
‘Better than the 2004 World Series’; As seniors get COVID vaccine, Massachusetts families feel hopeful
Updated Feb 05, 2021;
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Gary Park has seen history and heartbreak while walking through the gates of Fenway Park.
On Tuesday, Park watched his mother, 78-year-old Harriet Park, fist pump while leaving the home of the Boston Red Sox. She had just received her COVID vaccine.
It was a moment that will top all others at the ballpark, Park said even in 2004 when the Red Sox won their first World Series since 1918.
“It was better than the 2004 World Series,” he said. “It was incredible.”
Gary Park posted photos on Instagram of his mother getting her COVID-19 vaccine at Fenway Park.