MALVERN, Pa., July 22 -- Siemens Medical Solutions announced today it will collaborate with the Center for Molecular Imaging Research (CMIR) at Massachusetts General Hospital to further the field of molecular imaging and to test cutting-edge imaging applications in laboratory models and clinical studies. Siemens said it will dedicate resources, researchers and technology to the initiative. CMIR, directed by Ralph Weissleder, MD, PhD, focuses on combining genetic information and new chemistries to develop imaging probes, which are detectable by sophisticated imaging technologies, to study diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Seimens said the collaboration signifies its investment in this promising new area of medical imaging. "The long-term goals of the collaboration are to develop novel technologies for in vivo sensing and imaging of molecular events, and to expand these new tools into clinical applications that can save lives," said Dr. Weissleder. "Siemens' reputation for medical imaging innovation and cutting-edge research, along with its clear leadership in information technology, will help us reach these goals." Molecular imaging allows noninvasive measurement of molecular and biological processes in the body. Compared to conventional diagnostic imaging, molecular imaging probes the molecular abnormalities that are the origin of disease, rather than imaging the resulting conditions caused by the disease. Siemens equipment to be used in the research initiative will include advanced magnetic resonance (MR) scanners and customized software to enable diagnostics with innovative MR contrast agents, nuclear imaging technologies for novel molecular probe development, prototype molecular fluorescence imaging systems and picture archiving communications system for integrating, processing and visualizing genomic and proteomic data. For more information, visit: www.siemensmedical.com