To observe the brain in action, scientists and physicians use imaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to observe physiological modifications to the cerebral region of activated neurons. Until now, it was believed that these differences were only due to modifications of the blood influx towards the cells. By using intrinsic optical signals (IOS) imaging, researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), Switzerland, demonstrated that, contrary to what was thought, another physiological variation is involved: the activated neurons swell due to the massive entry of water. This discovery provides evidence that a much finer analysis of the functioning of the brain - and of its dysfunctions - is possible. These results are published in the journal Cell Reports.

Researchers at the University of Virginia (UVA) Health System have demonstrated that automated volumetric fibroglandular breast density measurement tools are more precise than area-based methods. Results of the study, "Reliability of Automated Breast Density Measurements," recently featured in Radiology, suggest that with lower variability, volumetric breast density is well suited for inclusion in breast cancer risk models. The announcement was made at the Association for Medical Imaging Management (AHRA)'s 43rd annual meeting and exposition, July 19-22 in Las Vegas.