Neuroscience For Kids

FDA Approves Imaging on Mobile Devices
February 5, 2011

The US Food and Drug Aministration recently approved a new mobile application that allows doctors to view medical images on iPhones and iPads. With this new application, physicians will be able to see images generated by computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET). The FDA ruled that the quality of the images was clear enough to be used for diagnostic purposes.

This new technology can send an image taken in a lab immediately to a doctor in another location, even another city, and display it on a hand-held device. This should reduce the time needed to make a diagnosis and start treatment.

Brain imaging helps neuroscientists:

1. Understand the relationships between specific areas of the brain and what function they serve.
2. Locate the areas of the brain that are affected by neurological disorders.
3. Develop new strategies to treat brain disorders.

References and more information:

• FDA Press Release
• Imaging Methods - Neuroscience for Kids

Copyright © 1996-2011, Eric H. Chudler, University of Washington