PsychologyJuly 16, 2026
radiotracer
/ˈreɪdiəʊˌtreɪsər/
Definition
A radioactive chemical compound injected into the body that binds to specific biological targets, allowing researchers to visualize and measure receptor activity using PET scans.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'radius' (ray or beam) combined with 'tracer,' originating from the Middle English 'tracen' (to follow or track). It refers to the use of radioactive substances to track, follow, or visualize internal biological processes.
In the news
In this study, a novel radiotracer was used to map M1 receptor availability in the brains of living patients with schizophrenia, providing the first in vivo evidence of these specific receptor deficits.
Brain imaging now reveals receptor dysfunction in living patients with schizophrenia
Read the full article ↗Medical Xpress