Preclinical imaging system developer Bioscan is opening a new research facility, Bioscan Molecular Imaging France (BMIF), this month in Dijon, France, which is enjoying a growing reputation for academic research in molecular imaging.
In March 2011, the Washington, DC-based company was one of eight companies awarded a 7.3 million euro ($9.3 million U.S.) grant to develop a combined PET/MRI system for in vivo animal imaging. Bioscan will serve as the lead for the project, known as Integrated Magnetic Resonance and Positron Emission Tomography in Preclinical Imaging (IMAPPI).
Within five years, Bioscan will invest 10 million euros ($12 million U.S.) and hire up to 20 research scientists. Dr. Hein Haas, vice president of research and development and director general of BMIF, will oversee the IMAPPI project.
In other news, Scientist named Bioscan's BioFLECT as the second of its annual top 10 innovations in its 2011 list that showcases leading products for life sciences. BioFLECT is a 360° optical imaging device, which uses a rotating ring of 48 detectors to generate a full 3D scan of fluorescent markers. The ability to scan an animal from all sides can provide more data for optical image reconstruction.
