1. PET SCAN Kareena Saguin Alexandra Klauser JJ Yim

2. What is the PET Scan A PET Scan ( positron emission topography) monitors glucose metabolism in the brain

3. How does it work? Patient is first injected with a dose of radioactive glucose Then the radioactive particles emitted by the glucose are detected by the PET Scan The scanner then uses colored maps to map the brains activity

4. What is the purpose of the PET scan? To diagnose abnormalities To compare differences between normal brains and abnormal brains To compare sex differences To learn more about how the brain works when doing certain tasks

5. What are its strengths and weaknesses? Strengths - localization -structure and function -Detect diseases Weaknesses -Expensive -Decays quickly -Artificial environment -Gamma rays have harmful effects

6. ‘ PET study of Meditation with Buddhist monks’ Davidson (2004) Aims To see if meditation can change brain activity Procedure 8 Buddhist monks ( who were highly experienced) and 10 volunteers ( trained to meditate for one week) were asked to meditate about love and compassion. Use the PET Scan to see the results

7. ‘ PET study of Meditation with Buddhist monks’ Davidson (2004) Findings both control groups had an increase in Gamma rays in their brains during meditation The volunteers’ gamma waves returned to normal after meditation while the monks did not have decrease in Gamma rays Conclusions Meditation could have great long term effects on the brain and how it processes emotion The brain adapts to stimulation

8. ‘ PET study of Meditation with Buddhist monks’ Davidson (2004) Strengths and Limitations Methodology Gender

9. Bibliography http://www.cadth.ca/en/products/environmental-scanning/health- technology-update/issue1/petscannerupdate http://www.triumf.ca/sites/default/files/images/Control-MCI-AD.jpg http://integral-options.blogspot.com/2011_12_25_archive.html http://alexanderjamesstockphotography.com/people-travel-and-leisure/stock- photo-buddhist-monks-meditating-at-chokokuji-temple-42980-12-885.html http://www.petimagingflorida.com/images/pet_scan.jpg