Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Imaging (MRS-IMG) Advantages Close to clinical translation from animal models High resolution and soft-tissue contrast Can provide similar information to CT in some types of investigations Disadvantages Time consuming Costly Slight movement can ruin the image Injection of a contrast medium (dye) if needed can cause kidney problems or result in allergic or injection-site reactions in some people Can’t be undertaken in some situations (e.g. when a heart pacemaker is present)

Positron Emission (Computed) Tomography (PET) Advantages Close to clinical translation from animal models High sensitivity with unlimited depth penetration Can help diagnose and guide treatment for a wider range of conditions than plain X-rays Can detect or exclude the presence of more serious problems Can be used to check if a previously treated disease has recurred Disadvantages Cost Small increased risk of cancer in future from exposure to ionising radiation (X-rays). Risk is greater for children Uses higher doses of radiation, so the risks (while still small) are in general greater than other imaging types Injection of a contrast medium (dye) can cause kidney problems or result in allergic or injection-site reactions in some people Some procedures require anaesthesia

Computed Tomography (CT scans) Advantages High spatial resolution (bone/lung) Close to clinical translation from animal models Unlike most other imaging types, can show how different parts of the body are working and can detect problems much earlier Can check how far a cancer has spread and how well treatment is working Disadvantages No target specific imaging Poor soft-tissue contrast Involves exposure to ionising radiation(gamma-rays) Radioactive material may cause allergic or injection-site reactions in some people PET scanners cause some people to feel claustrophobic, which may mean sedation is required

Ultrasound (US) Advantages Close to clinical translation from animal models High spatial and temporal translation Uses non-ionising radiation Low cost Disadvantages Quality and interpretation of the image highly depends on the skill of the person doing the scan Other factors can affect image quality, including the presence of air and calcified areas in the body (e.g. bones, plaques and hardened arteries), and a person's body size Use of a special probe (e.g. for the oesophagus, rectum or vagina) is required in some ultrasounds Targeted imaging limited to vascular compartment

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Advantages Close to clinical translation from animal models High sensitivity with unlimited depth penetration Disadvantages Cost Limited spatial resolution

X-Rays (Plain Radiography) Advantages Quick Can help diagnose various diseases and injuries, including broken bones, cancer and infections Disadvantages Very small increased risk of cancer in future from exposure to ionising radiation(x-rays).

Optical Imaging – Fluorecence and Bioluminescence Advantages Easily accessible Highly sensitive (up to ~10–15 moles/l) at limited depths of a few millimeters quick and easy to perform Disadvantages Limited by light penetration