The recent FDA approval of a “smartphone” ultrasound system has re-ignited industry debate into the long term future of ultrasound technology. InMedica has closely monitored the evolution of these products, and assesses their potential impact on the $5.2 billion ultrasound industry.

GE Healthcare, the health business of General Electric (NYSE: GE), announced today its plans to dedicate $1 billion of its total R&D budget over the next five years to expand its advanced cancer diagnostic and molecular imaging capabilities, as well as its world-class technologies for the manufacture of biopharmaceuticals and for cancer research.

Researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine have for the first time used several imaging techniques to prove the efficacy of a promising new treatment for atherosclerosis -- the build-up of plaque in artery walls that can lead to a heart attack. Using positron-emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the research team showed that dalcetrapib, a novel treatment for atherosclerosis, prevented the progression of disease and reduced vascular inflammation over 24 months.

RSNA Image Share, the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) network designed to help patients take control of their medical images and reports, has entered into clinical practice. The network will facilitate access to imaging exams for patients and physicians, potentially reducing unnecessary examinations, minimizing patient radiation exposure and enabling better informed medical decisions.

According to new research from IMV, clinical PET patient studies increased 14.7% from 2008 to 2010, as sites continue to install PET imaging units and increase their capacity to perform procedures.

The Methodist Hospital Research Institute (Houston, Texas, USA) and Philips have collaborated to develop new imaging technology that could be used to help identify the start and cause of an infectious disease epidemic.

Metamark Genetics, a privately-held oncology molecular diagnostic company and Definiens have announced a development and commercialisation partnership in which Metamark will combine its proprietary multiplex protein detection platform with image analysis technology developed jointly with Definiens to deliver innovative prognostic and predictive assays for early-stage cancers.

The MRI group of the University of Freiburg, Germany, invites stakeholders in the MRI pre-clinical research community to join them in the Grand Opening of their new research facility featuring a hyperpolarization laboratory, a histology unit, and a second animal MRI system.