Using radioactive drugs to see inside your body - Pedro Brugarolas

Investigate the science behind how doctors use radioactive drugs and PET scans to detect and diagnose diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer.

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Is there a way to detect diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s before they advance too far? Doctors are using injected radioactive drugs that circulate through the body and act as a beacon for PET scanners. These diagnostic tools can detect the spread of diseases before they can be spotted with other types of imaging. So how exactly does this work, and is it safe? Pedro Brugarolas investigates.

Lesson by Pedro Brugarolas, directed by Artrake Studio.

Thank you so much to our patrons for your support! Without you this video would not be possible! Liana Switzer, Maija Chapman, Pamela Harrison, Mighterbump , Beatriz Inácio, Robert Hargis, Soma Ali, Mark wisdom, Ai Ejima, Irindany Sandoval, William Bravante, Elizabeth Parker, Sai Krishna Koyoda, Therapist Gus, Samuel Barbas, Betsy Feathers, Victoria Soler-Roig, Pavel Maksimov, Barbara Younker, Cyrus Garay, Yvette Mocete, Mike Azarkman, Valeria Sloan Vasquez, Patricia Alves Panagides, William Biersdorf, Michael Aquilina, Kshitij Shah, Mohammad Said, Victoria Veretilo, Rebecca Reineke, Felipe Hoff, Kyanta Yap, Lewis Westbury, Ojas Kapoor, Mirzat Turap, Jaime Arriola, Emilia Alvarado, Javid Gozalov, Paul Beard, Deepak Iyer, Markus Goldhacker, Mihai Sandu, Keven Webb, Maurice Castonguay, Kristiyan Bonev, Maryam Dadkhah, Joshua Wasniewski, Michał Friedrich, Arlene Spiegelman and Doug Henry.

[BobMcCoy]

*All the respect to people that work in Hospitals!*

[clingclanglarry]

Wait.... Hospitals have particle accelerators?

[nsp]

Of course something as cool as a particle accelerator would also have a badass name ending in -tron. You don't wanna mess with the Cyclotron.

[masterimbecile]

Are you sure that's how Positron Emission Tomography works?

Yep. I'm positive.

[grainfrizz]

Nowadays, we have combined physics, chemistry, and medicine to save lives. We've gone so far. That's why I don't understand why there are flat earthers and anti vaxxers.

[TinyMedicine]

Great animation! One addition. Why do Cancers take up radio contrast dye? because tumors have a rich blood supply and they consume more glucose/energy than normal cells as they divide fast.

[charbelnakad]

Other Viewers: woah that's amazing... What is your opinion?
Me: yes

[diphylleia]

As a medical imaging technician, thank you for this highly informative video 😊👌💥

[justwinks]

In 1988 I was 12 years old and started volunteering at my local hospital. No one would explain these questions. Thank you so much. I have waited over 30 years for this very video

[Haburg]

Back to back videos.
Another reason not to do my homework.😁

[zeawesomepug]

Personally, I think the animation is one of the best parts and pairs very well with what they teach in the videos.

[abbieq]

I never heard of particle accelerators in hospitals until earlier today, so this was just on time!!

[suirahplanogemo]

I love how ingenious this technology is. The sheer amount of time and effort required to create such a system must have been monumental. Well done, everyone involved.

[Ali-yreq]

And in process of gaining wisdom from humans we develop more humane nature and methods. They in turn make us empathetic and compassionate. That’s why we have particle accelerators at hospitals; because of the wondrous curiosity that lies within the brains of wondrous beings called humans and their desire to do good for their fellow beings. Thank you Ted ♥️

[nazzzirismail]

I have no idea about any of this but I Love The Relaxing Voice

[rainylight]

My questions have been answered by watching these videos, and I learn new information. Thank you Ted Ed!😀

[devins]

What an interesting video covering a question I never knew I wanted to know.
Love this channel.

[tosanesoko]

This is the Juncture where Physics, Chemistry and Biology meet.

[RakeshSharma-dlsy]

Last few videos were not as good. But this one is completely awesome. I was just waiting for a science video. Well done TED-Ed.👍

[shivamtayde]

Today my physics teacher taught us about cyclotron and recommend us to see this video!
It's very interesting 👍