World's first full body 3D scanner

Scientists from UC Davis University, USA have successfully developed the world's first full-body scanner that can create detailed 3D scans of human anatomy.... The device, called EXPLORER, can scan 40 times faster than today's positron emission tomography (PET) scanners.

EXPLORER combines PET scan technology with X-ray computed tomography (CT scan), allowing the creation of a 3D scan of the entire body in just 20 - 30 seconds. The machine is developed on the latest technology platform with many outstanding improvements compared to current scanners.

Not only is the device faster, it is also capable of scanning with significantly lower radiation doses. This reduces the radiation impact on patients who require multiple scans, which is good news for pediatric research, where controlling cumulative radiation dose is especially important. In addition, the higher sensitivity allows the device to produce scans with better image quality.

EXPLORER 3D full body scanner. Photo:Design Boom.

"EXPLORER can do full-body 3D scans with incredible detail," said researcher Ramsey Badawi of UC Davis. "We can see some features that are beyond the limits of conventional commercial scanners. The device allows you to see radiotracers moving through the body in three dimensions."

With the help of EXPLORER, clinicians can assess what is happening in all the tissues and organs in the body. It can measure blood flow and determine how the body absorbs glucose. The team hopes the machine will bring breakthroughs in cancer research and treatment.

EXPLORER is equipped with nearly 2,000 cubic probes, creating an axial field of view (FOV) of about 2 m. It can collect 40 Terabytes (40,000 GB) in just one day. The machine weighs more than 10 tons and consumes approximately 60 kW of power. The team believes the device will soon be widely used around the world.

"I don't think we'll have to wait too long to see an EXPLORER scanner system around the world. But that depends on demonstrating the benefits of the system both clinically and in research. In the coming time, we will focus on research to demonstrate how EXPLORER benefits patients and contributes to world medicine," said Badawi.