Molecular Imaging Primer

MI Scientist

I strongly believe that this e-book is a must have for both the molecular imaging (MI) scientist and those considering entering into the diverse field of MI. I think Dr. Gambhir put a great deal of thought into organizing and explaining the various concepts and techniques that comprise MI which has resulted in a primer broadly accessible to all readers.
MI is a fascinating scientific discipline that embraces biology, chemistry, engineering and computer modeling for the purposes of measuring molecular processes. Each of these critical disciplines is reviewed by Dr. Gambhir individually and then holistically within the context of MI. The basic principles of cellular and molecular biology, the development and utilization of MI-centric assays and state-of-the-art imaging techniques are accurately described and accompanied by detailed illustrations and tables. There is also a very useful table of >200 molecular imaging probes to help researchers decide which tracer is suitable for their own specific MI application. A concise FAQ near the end of the e-book addresses multiple questions pertaining to molecular biology, instrumentation, MI strategies, biological assays and MI applications that help explain how the various aspects of MI function together. For those interested in developing molecular probes, there is a "molecular imaging research chain" that describes a concise path for developing MI probes. This is important as more molecular probes will be developed de novo by MI experts, who can fine-tune a probe's pharmacokinetic profile, to maximize the data output for any given MI application. I also appreciate that the primer is forward thinking as it touches on potential future scenarios that will benefit from MI as both a research and clinical tool.
For researchers interested in discovering new molecular imaging agents, this ebook is an excellent guide that provides the foundation and pathway for discovering and utilizing novel imaging probes for any given MI application. For academicians on the forefront of exploring new MI applications, the primer provides wonderful examples of new multi-modality imaging techniques that could be used as the starting point for newer and even more powerful MI applications.
Overall, Dr. Gambhir has compiled a wonderful e-book that thoroughly covers the multifaceted discipline of MI and, more importantly, is forward looking with respect to the still untapped potential of MI.