Short Report by Hans-Jonas Meyer: MR-cytometry: crossing the border between clinical MRI and histology (January-February)
This February, me and my soon-to be spouse had the incredible opportunity to live and learn new research methods in Nashville thanks to the Max-Kade Foundation.
Nashville truly embodies its spirit as “Music City” with its vibrant country culture and southern charm and hospitality. Besides its cultural merits Nashville is also known for its cutting-edge biomedical education and research at Vanderbilt University and the adjacent Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC).
My research focuses on the interactions between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences and the underlying histopathology in oncological imaging. Using superior MRI techniques, we could better characterize tumors and guide clinical decision making. Coming from a background in radiology and clinical medicine, it was enlightening to collaborate with Prof. Junzhong Xu at VUMC, who is a renowned physicist in experimental MRI techniques. With his developed MR-cytometry method, we can provide images of tumors, reflecting cell density and cell size in vivo. He showed me his translational research laboratory with cell culture and mouse experiments. I’m very thankful to gain a deep insight into the translational imaging research.
Thanks to my stay in Nashville, I learned the groundworks to use the MR-cytometry sequence. We will use this connection to also provide this interesting technique at the University Hospital in Leipzig and to deepen the collaboration. It will be used to investigate the associations between clinical imaging, MR-cytometry and histopathological features of several tumor entities.
Besides our working time of VUMC we enjoyed the night life on Broadway with Karaoke and bull riding. We loved the hot wings in Nashville and even dared the higher spice levels.
Finally, we used the opportunity in the USA for a weekend end short trip to Las Vegas to embrace the American lifestyle.
We are very grateful for the Max Kade Foundation for the trip to Vanderbilt University.
The famous Southern Hot Chicken. It is very delicious!