| July 3, 2003:
, BAR HARBOR, ME: A broad-ranging collaboration between The
Jackson Laboratory and VisualSonics was announced today to
leverage the use of the VisualSonics’ Vevo 660™
high-resolution imaging system to increase The Jackson Laboratory’s
development efforts in phenotyping research and discovery.
The Jackson Laboratory is the world's largest mammalian genetic
research facility, which also serves the global scientific
community as the key provider of critical genetic resources
and training for present and future scientists. VisualSonics
is the leading manufacturer of high-resolution in vivo imaging
systems for small animal research using high-resolution ultrasound
technology.
Using VisualSonics’ Vevo 660 high-resolution imaging
system, researchers can visualize - - in real time - - detailed
anatomical features and blood flow in small animals such as
mice and rats with resolution down to 30 microns. Because
the system is non-invasive, researchers can therefore image
and re-image the same animal - - from early embryonic stages
through to adulthood - - and watch the progression or regression
of disease, the overall development of specific features or
functions of the animal, or monitor the effect of therapies.
In essence, this new technology is a significant new research
tool providing detailed imaging that will allow for accelerated
and more detailed phenotypic study.
In the post-genomic era, where much of the human and mouse
genome has been identified, the ability to understand the
“phenotype” - - or the expression of disease -
- has become of tantamount importance. “We are thrilled
to be working with such an esteemed organization as The Jackson
Laboratory to help leverage this important imaging technology”,
says Tom Little, CEO of VisualSonics. ”We feel that
the adoption of our high-resolution in vivo imaging solution
and the education of the research marketplace in general about
this important imaging modality will significantly complement
and expedite phenotypic research at large.” Notes Jackson
Laboratory Director of Research Barbara Knowles, Ph.D.: “Being
able to capture physical data using this technology, and linking
that data to our publicly accessible genetics databases, will
be of tremendous value to our own researchers as well as the
worldwide biomedical research community.”
The collaboration agreement between The Jackson Laboratory
and VisualSonics involves technology transfer and usage of
the Vevo 660 imaging system by The Jackson Laboratory, a co-development
of a new educational course on high-resolution imaging, a
series of co-promotion activities to help promote the benefits
and images derived using high-resolution imaging, and an organized
sharing of subject matter expertise on the application of
high-resolution imaging for phenotypic research.
About VisualSonics
VisualSonics is the leading manufacturer of high-resolution
in vivo imaging systems for small animal research. VisualSonics’
Vevo 660™ high-resolution imaging system provides real-time
visualization and measurement of anatomical and hemodynamic
function in small animals down to 30 microns. Because of the
non-invasive nature of the technology, longitudinal studies
of the same animal can be performed. This high-resolution
imaging technology is being successfully applied to phenotypic-based
research applications such as developmental biology, cardiovascular
research, cancer biology, neurobiology and drug discovery.
About The Jackson Laboratory
The Jackson Laboratory, founded in 1929, is a world leader
in mammalian genetics research. The nonprofit, independent
facility has a mission to improve the quality of human life
through discoveries arising from its own genetic research
and by enabling the research and education of others.
For more information:
VisualSonics Contact:
The Jackson Laboratory Contact:
Joyce Peterson
Public Information Manager
The Jackson Laboratory
Tel. 207.288.6058
Cel. 207.266.5745
Email joyce@jax.org
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