The Small Animal Imaging Resource provides a wide range of imaging and radiation treatment resources for animal research. The preclinical services are translational in operation while remaining cutting edge in the advancement of basic science research. Services are available to the Augusta University research enterprise and other outside scientific investigators.

 

 

For more information please go to the Small Animal Imaging section on the Shared Resources page.

 

Contact Us

Small Animal Imaging

Health Sciences Campus

Georgia Cancer Center - M. Bert Storey Research Building

Asamoah Bosomtwi, PhD
Director

CN-3155

(706) 721-1427

abosomtwi@augusta.edu

Equipment

Mediso SPECT/CT System

Mediso SPECT/CT System

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)is a nuclear medicine tomographic imaging technique using gamma rays and provides 3D images of radiotracer distribution. It is very similar to converting nuclear medicine planar imaging using averaging camera. Combine with computed tomography (CT), anatomic localization can be identified. Traditional radiotracers or novel proteins and antibodies of interest that can be radiolabeled with gamma emitting isotopes, injected into subjects, and imaged to determine organ and/or tumor specificity.

7T Animal MRI

7T Bruker Biospin Magnetic resonance Imaging System

MR imaging is a method for non-invasive imaging that can provide information related to regions of interest and their surrounding environment. MRI can be used to find problems such as tumors, bleeding, injury, blood vessel diseases, or infection. Basic and specialized scans can be performed on the 7T MRI located in CN-1153

Spectral AMI X Bioluminescent/Fluorescent Imaging System

Spectral AMI X Bioluminescent/Fluorescent Imaging System

Bioluminescent and fluorescent optical images are created non-invasively by detecting the photons from tracers that safely emit from areas of interest in the animal or cell lines. The sensitivity of the cameras is such that the optical imager can detect wavelengths from 400 to 800 nm and from source sizes as small as four to five cells.

Small Animal Radiation Research Platform

Small Animal Radiation Research Platform

The Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP) is to make the animal models available for the development and evaluation of novel radiation therapies. In combination with advanced imaging methods, small animal research allows detailed study of biological processes, disease progression, and response to therapy, with the potential to provide a natural bridge to the clinical environment.

Precision X-Rad 320

Precision X-RAD 320

The Precision X-Rad 320 offers a large chamber within a compact cabinet footprint. It is a self-contained x-ray system designed to deliver a precise radiation dosage to specimens from cells to small animals such as rabbits. The x-ray tube is used specifically for radiation therapy, having a highly homogenous beam.Featuring our TouchRad control panel - a multi-user, password protected touchscreen interface - the X-Rad320 includes a transportable database that can track individual system usage.

JLS Gamma Cell Irradiator

JLS Gamma Cell Irradiator

JLS Mark I Irradiators irradiate samples on turntables adjacent to a line source of Cs137. This provides high radiation levels for irradiating cells/tissue cultures in test tubes/culture vessels ≤ 100 mm diameter and lower dose rates to large numbers of mice/rats in animal chambers on large turntables at a greater distance from the Cs137 source in the same irradiator.

Meet Our Team

photo of Asamoah Bosomtwi, PhD

Asamoah Bosomtwi, PhD

  • Director, Small Animal Imaging Core

(706) 721-1427

Dr. Asamoah Bosomtwi provides technical oversight of the facility, insuring that the facility activities are consistent with enhancing the mission and goals of the Georgia Cancer Center. His research interests involve MRI/MRS quality control issues, focusing in particular on Anatomical Imaging, Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) Spectroscopy and blood flow. He will like to have collaboration with investigators on a number of projects, including the use of fMRI and angiography in neuroprotection in traumatic brain injury and stroke, and cardiovascular research. He has published a number of journal articles in the areas of physics and imaging science, and he has accumulated over 15 years of experience in image acquisition.
photo of Roxan Ara, MBBS

Roxan Ara, MBBS

  • Lab Manager

(706) 721-3952

Dr. Roxan Ara oversees the day-to-day operations of the core. She performs acquisition and analysis for the MRI and SPECT/CT systems. She has comprehensive diagnostic medical imaging experience and holds a medical degree. She has over a decade of experience in training people.
photo of Vic Kong, MS

Vic Kong, MS

  • Research Associate

(706) 446-3926

Vic Kong performs daily image acquisition for the MRI systems. He also does oversee the operations of the gamma and x-ray irradiators.