Have you ever imagined being able to "see" inside the human body as if we had a pair of magic glasses? In essence, it is what technology allows us to do PEPT (Positron Emission Particle Tracking). This is a technique used so far only to study complex machines: it has now been applied for the first time in biomedicine, on living subjects.
What is PEPT, and why is it Important?
To understand better, let's think of PEPT as a very special camera that can follow a very small radioactive particle. This particle, like a tiny spy, can travel inside large, complex objects, even when we can't see them directly.
Until now, this “camera” was used to study, for example, how the inside of a large engine works. But now, think about how useful it would be to use it in the human body to better understand how it works.
The challenge of using PEPT in biomedicine
The biggest problem for the researchers was to make sure that this particle was small and safe enough to travel in the body without causing problems, but at the same time “visible” enough for our special “camera”.
It's a bit like finding a way to sail a tiny ship across a vast ocean without it getting lost (and without its radioactive “cargo” being harmful). In this new study published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology the lead author, Dr Juan Pellico, and a multidisciplinary team led by Dr Rafael TM de Rosales they succeeded in the feat.
Future possibilities
Imagine the possibilities of this technology in biomedicine: Doctors could use PEPT to look inside us and see exactly what happens when we get sick or when we take a drug.
It would be like having a detailed, personalized map that shows where that medicine goes in our body or how a disease develops inside us.
Safety and ethics in biomedicine
Of course, with such powerful technology, we have to be very careful. It's important to make sure it's safe and won't cause problems in the long term.
This new frontier of PEPT in biomedicine is fascinating and promises to change the way we understand and treat diseases. However, as with any great journey, there are challenges and responsibilities. We must proceed carefully, ensuring that the benefits outweigh the risks.
From great powers comes… Ok, you already know.
