Researcher Ge Wang and team created imaging systems and methods using excited nanoparticles coupled between CT and MRI to provide faster localization information for targeted, high resolution imaging. The study of biological systems is a complex pursuit that requires sufficient models and tools to measure responses to controlled changes in the system, however, there has been a lack of appropriate microscopy allowing insight into deep 3D models of molecular and cellular function due to the diffusive properties of optical light. Wang and his team overcame limitations in the field by using nanoparticles in the sample to be imaged. Excitation with radiation, such as X-ray or UV, can be performed on the nanoparticles to affect one or more resonance parameters. Applying MRI, the change can be measured by one or more resonance constants providing localization information in imaging as a long-term, dynamic contrast agent, such as in brain, cardiac and cancer imaging.