The acquisition of a state-of-the-art terahertz imaging system will enable University of Arkansas researchers to further their investigation of an alternative method of detecting and treating breast cancer. The unique system, made possible by a $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation and $171,428 in matching funds from the university, will deepen scientists’ understanding and use of terahertz radiation and imaging techniques as they apply to a variety of applications.
“Among many important applications, this system will allow us to continue our work on developing a non-hazardous and non-invasive imaging system for breast-cancer,” said Magda El-Shenawee, professor of electrical engineering and principal investigator for the NSF award. “But it’s really more than that…The system includes therapeutic applications as well. Because of the unique properties of terahertz light, the system will help reduce cancer recurrence by contributing to the thermal ablation of tumors.”
Co-investigators of the NSF grant are Greg Salamo, Distinguished Professor of physics, and Steve Stephenson, research professor in biological sciences, at the University of Arkansas; Robert Griffin, professor of radiation oncology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; and Gilbert Pacey, professor of biochemistry at Miami University in Ohio.
The system will also help researchers at the Institute for Nanoscience and Engineering guide the fabrication of nanoscale materials and devices and help biologists study the water content of plants and the presence of fungi in various types of both living and dead plant material.