Seeing Stem Cells in the Body: Magnetic Particle Imaging

A big obstacle to developing stem cell therapies is being able to visualize the cells inside the body. This will be critical to confirm that the stem cells are targeted to the right place and are providing therapeutic benefit. Current imaging technology are not adequate for tracking stem cells in vivo. Magnetic Particle Imaging, MPI, is a new methodology that has promise to be 200 times more sensitive than magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Steven Conolly, whose UC Berkeley lab is pioneering MPI, spoke to the CIRM governing board on May 24, 2012 about his research. Conolly has a CIRM Tools and Technology grant.