New technique for imaging myelin degeneration

Here is a new study in PNAS on using positron-emission tomography (PET) to mark myelin loss. In brief, disorders such as multiple sclerosis damage the protective layer of neurons, myelin, and consequently the communication between the neurons. Usually fMRI imaging techniques use gadolinium to mark abnormal brain areas in order to highlight the images. According to the authors of this study, fMRI is not as precise at marking demyelinization as injecting C-radiolabeled BMB, a fluorescent synthesized molecule, into the bloodstream. This molecule crosses the blood-brain barrier and bonds reversibly to the myelin, which is then visible in PET scans.

This improvement is very cool, and I would suggest signing into PNAS online access to get the images. Maybe we can work out a deal with them at some point to post one or two once we build this little cogsci community. Anyone know if this would help with Parkinson's disease?