Alzheimer's Pathology

Synchrotron x-ray beams are much more intense and concentrated than normal x-rays, but they hold the possibility of producing images that are sharper than those from MRI’s and without using contrasting agents.  Researchers at the Brookhaven National Laboratory are now studying this approach for diagnosing beta amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s disease, though the radiation dose that now reveals Aβ plaque is too high for living people.  Meanwhile, Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu has announced that Brookhaven would receive $150 m in federal stimulus funding to build a new synchrotron light source.         MORE

Image Credit:  Brookhaven National Laboratory