MARS Bioimaging partners with Linköping University to advance photon-counting CT technology

Advancing medical imaging through innovation

The partnership with Linköping University’s CMIV began with a shared mission to push the boundaries of medical imaging and explore its untapped potential. CMIV has long been a leader in developing new tools for image analysis. By working closely with MARS Bioimaging, whose photon-counting CT scanners are powered by Medipix technology developed at CERN, the research centre aims to explore innovative applications, particularly in K-edge imaging, of rare earth and transition metals.

The research will be led by CMIV Director Professor Anders Persson and MARS Chief Medical Officer, Professor Anthony Butler. Both teams will engage in a dynamic exchange of research findings and ideas, working together to enhance the technology’s ability to differentiate materials within complex solutions. This could lead to breakthrough applications in cancer research and more refined diagnostics in clinical settings.

“This collaboration offers a unique opportunity to align CMIV’s expertise with MARS’s technological capabilities,” Vivek explains. “By working together, we hope to expand the impact of photon-counting CT on global medical research.”

Collaboration with CMIV to explore new frontiers in medical imaging

Photon-counting CT technology has already demonstrated its capability to distinguish between various extrinsic materials when imaged separately. The ongoing research between MARS and CMIV will test whether these technologies can differentiate materials within a single sample—an advancement that could open doors for new research in diagnostic imaging and precision medicine. If successful, this breakthrough could offer unprecedented insights into medical conditions, enabling faster, more accurate diagnoses.

Our CEO Mark Figgitt visited Linköping University in September to solidify the partnership and discuss long-term collaborative goals, including the potential installation of a MARS scanner at CMIV. We are eager to deepen our cooperation with CMIV, with the possibility of future projects aimed at further enhancing the precision and versatility of imaging technology.

A promising path forward

As the partnership between MARS Bioimaging and Linköping University’s CMIV continues to evolve, we’re both optimistic about the potential of our collaboration. This venture represents not only a step forward for both organisations but also a significant contribution to the broader scientific and medical communities. By combining our expertise, MARS Bioimaging and CMIV are paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in medical imaging that will benefit patients and researchers alike. 

CERNS’s Michael Campbell said “Photon counting X-ray imaging is made possible by hybrid pixel detectors which were developed originally for CERN’s LHC. The Medipix3 Collaboration adapted the technology to provide high resolution spectroscopic X-ray images. The MARS scanner uses the Medipix3 chip bringing the technology from the lab to the clinic. But we are still just scratching the surface of what this approach could bring to medical imaging. I am therefore delighted about this new effort which will expand our knowledge and, in the longer term, bring real benefits to patients.”