Brookhaven Positron Emission Tomography Program

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a medical imaging method which can measure the concentration and movement of a positron emitting isotope in living tissue. Due to its inherent quantitative biochemical nature, PET is in the extraordinary position to reveal the molecular mechanisms of human disease and to facilitate the development of new drugs. The focus of the Brookhaven PET Program is to integrate research radiotracer chemistry and neuroscience to develop new scientific tools for application to problems in human health. There is a special commitment to the development of radiotracers for imaging specific molecular targets such as the brain dopamine system (shown in the diagram) and to the development of advanced PET imaging technologies.