[Molecular imaging; current status and future prospects in USA]

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Biological Science
• Nanotechnology

Context:

• Molecular imaging is a rapidly advancing field in medical and biological sciences.
• It involves in vivo visualization of molecular events and functions.
• The field integrates multiple scientific disciplines.

Purpose:

• To define molecular imaging and review its current status and future prospects.
• To overview in vivo imaging methods, modalities, and contrast agents.
• To emphasize the connection between molecular imaging and nanotechnology.

Summary:

• This review explores molecular imaging, focusing on in vivo methods, imaging modalities, and contrast agents.
• It discusses the integration of various scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine.
• The close relationship between molecular imaging and nanotechnology within nanomedicine is highlighted.

Impact:

• Provides a comprehensive overview of molecular imaging for researchers and clinicians.
• Underscores the interdisciplinary nature and future directions of molecular imaging.
• Highlights the role of nanotechnology in advancing molecular imaging techniques.