The world's first full-body 3D scanner

In less than 30 seconds, EXPLORER can scan full-body 3D at a level of detail and use significantly lower radiation doses.

Scientists from the University of UC Davis, USA successfully developed the first full-body scanner in the world that can produce detailed 3D scans of human anatomy, Design Boom reported on November 20.The device called EXPLORER can scan 40 times faster than current positron emission tomography (PET) scanners.

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

The device is not only faster but also capable of scanning with significantly lower radiation doses. This helps reduce the effect of radiation on patients who need repeated scans, and is good news in pediatric research, where the control of cumulative radiation doses is particularly important. Besides, higher sensitivity also allows the device to create scans with better image quality.

"EXPLORER can scan 3D body with amazing detail , " said researcher Ramsey Badawi of UC Davis. "We can see some properties that surpass the limits of conventional commercial scanners. The device allows observing radioactive substances (radiotracer) that travel throughout the body in three dimensions."

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

EXPLORER full 3D scanner.(Photo: Design Boom).

EXPLORER is equipped with nearly 2,000 block transducers, 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 electricity. The team believes that the device will soon be widely used worldwide.

"I think we won't have to wait too long to see a system of EXPLORER scanners around the world. But that depends on demonstrating the benefits of the system both clinically and in research. Time. Next, we will focus on research to demonstrate how EXPLORER benefits patients and contributes to world medicine, " Badawi said.