MENLO PARK, Calif., Dec. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- SRI International, an independent nonprofit research and development institute, has received two grants totaling $946,089 from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to develop a stationary X-ray system prototype using a new source tube design. This new design is intended to improve three-dimensional imaging technology, which will make it easier to monitor tumor growth and assess the body's response to chemotherapy treatment. As part of this project, SRI researchers will develop a real-time X-ray system that will be able to make X-ray motion pictures of medical procedures.

"The possibility for increased imaging speed and the implementation of novel geometries could lead to more affordable computed tomography (CT) scans and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) systems used to take three-dimensional images for use in hospitals and clinics," said Paul Schwoebel, senior research engineer at SRI International. "These improved imaging capabilities will be an important benefit to medical research, including the study of breast cancer."

A key component of any X-ray imaging system is the source tube. The essential design features of X-ray source tubes have remained unchanged for the last several decades. SRI's X-ray system will be based on a new type of source tube design that could allow for a less expensive and smaller X-ray system. In addition, this new design would allow for increased speed, improved image quality, and more flexible angular coverage.

SRI's medical product development projects span many technologies, including biosensors, ultrasonic scanners, blood pressure instruments, blood and tissue sampling devices, insulin delivery systems, digital X-ray systems, magnetic resonance imaging, and surgical robots. For more information, please visit SRI's Timeline of Innovations: http://www.sri.com/about/timeline/timeline-flash.html

About SRI International

Silicon Valley-based SRI International is one of the world's leading independent research and technology development organizations. SRI, which was founded by Stanford University as Stanford Research Institute in 1946 and became independent in 1970, has been meeting the strategic needs of clients and partners for more than 60 years. Perhaps best known for its introduction of interactive computing and the invention of the computer mouse , SRI has also been responsible for major advances in networking and communications, robotics, drug discovery and development, advanced materials, atmospheric research, education research, economic development, national security, and more. The nonprofit institute performs sponsored research and development for government agencies, businesses, and foundations. SRI also licenses its technologies, forms strategic alliances, and creates spin-off companies. In 2008, SRI's consolidated revenues, including its wholly owned for-profit subsidiary, Sarnoff Corporation, were approximately $490 million.

SOURCE SRI International

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