Researchers at Vanderbilt were able to combine various previously used imaging modalities to generate unprecedented 3-D Images. Prior to imaging, the researcher's key aim was to study the fight for limited nutrients between the host and staph infection (Zn, Mn, Fe). Properly identifying and labeling molecules involved in this resource battle could give insights into future therapeutic targets for infectious diseases.
Previously used imaging technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mass spectrometry (MS), and bioluminescence imaging (BLI), have had their own unique imaging properties. By combining these three imaging modalities, the research team was successful in generated their 3D images. Additionally, MRI was used to visualize anatomy, MS was able to follow protein changes and analyze the distribution of metals, and BLI was capable of visualizing the bacterial genes that are expressed in response to low concentrations of iron.