Hybrid scanners enable tumour-spotting

Tumours could be detected more quickly and pictured in far greater detail, thanks to a new type of medical imaging system unveiled this week, writes New Scientist.

The Biograph mMR, developed by Siemens, is the first clinical device to combine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with positron emission tomography (PET). This could halve the length of time patients spend being scanned, by allowing doctors to simultaneously locate the tumours and detect whether they are malignant and how fast they are growing.

Richard Bowtell, an expert in magnetic resonance imaging at the University of Nottingham in the UK, says in the past, specialists wanting to take combined scans have had to insert PET scanners inside an MRI device. This has limited them to taking images of just people's heads, he says. "The fact that you can take a whole body scan with both is quite an important step forward."

Scientists have, for the first time, been able to demonstrate how 3D molecular structures can be built on a surface, a discovery that could be instrumental in the future of nanotechnology, says TechEye.

A paper published by a team of chemists and physicists at the University of Nottingham has shown how they built molecules upwards from a surface, as opposed to 2D formations that have previously been achievable, by introducing a 'guest' molecule. According to the University of Nottingham this new method could have applications in cutting-edge optical and electronic technologies, as well as offering the potential of creating molecular computers.

“It is the molecular equivalent of throwing a pile of bricks up into the air and then as they come down again they spontaneously build a house,” says Professor Neil Champness who led the study.

To draw the users into the depths of 3D computing experience, Acer has come up with a new 3D laptop, the AS5745DG, states DeviceMag.

The laptop delivers 3D through its 15.6 inch HD 1366x768 display at 16:9 aspect ratio and has a 640GB Sata Hard Disk, Blu-ray drive, Acer Crystal Eye Web Camera and a set of Dolby speakers.

It is expected in Japanese markets by 3 December priced less than $1 200.