On Tuesday 4th February Dr Edward Walter, post-doctorate at Imperial College London and our Chemist in Residence, gave a fascinating talk on medical imaging to an audience of Lower Fifth, Upper Fifth and Sixth Form students and staff.

Having outlined the advantages and disadvantages of MRI and PET scans as well as optical imaging, he described a number of up-to-date uses of the techniques including how they are being used to enhance surgery and to detect cancer and brain abnormalities. The conclusion was that a multimodal approach is very much the key to an accurate and early diagnosis

Edward finished with a summary of his latest research into the development of probes to detect the enzymes produced by atherosclerosis (the formation of plaque inside arteries). This work is being carried out in conjunction with Hammersmith Hospital and the aim is early detection in order to avoid the more serious long term consequences of such a build-up, including heart attacks and strokes

Although the material was challenging there is no doubt that it got everyone present thinking. The questions at the end reflected this and we look forward to using Edward’s knowledge and expertise to challenge the girls both in lessons and outside regularly in the future.