MS Imaging

By combining three types of microscopic imaging techniques that are ordinarily used individually, a way has been developed to analyze living tissue and learn more about the molecular mechanisms of multiple sclerosis, information that could help lead to earlier detection and new treatments.

The combined imaging method is enabling the researchers to study how multiple sclerosis causes an overproduction of "astroglial filaments," which form bundles between critical nerve fibers and interfere with proper spinal cord functioning.

The imaging shows these astroglial filaments in contrast with the nerve fibers, pointing them out very easily. This allows doctors to see exactly where the source of the problem is coming from, and could give them information on how to prevent this disease.

I think this is interesting because more than 350,000 people in the US and 2 million worldwide have this disease. There's no real cure, and the disease is so crippling, it's exciting that there's something now that can help detect it earlier and may give the individuals a better shot at fighting it.

http://www.photonics.com/content/news/2007/April/18/87361.aspx