MIGDAL HAEMEK, Israel -- Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's set a challenge for modern medicine, as their origins are unclear and the comprehension of the progression of symptoms often relies upon a patient's behavior.

Applied Spectral Imaging (ASI) a leading provider of comprehensive imaging solutions for Pathology and Cytogenetics, was chosen by the European Union (EU) to be one out of nine industry and academia groups to form the Lupas consortium. ASI possess unique spectral technology that labels each region of the image with multiple colors beyond the basic red, green and blue colors that are available today in digital cameras.

LUPAS seeks to develop new smart imaging molecular tools for combating neurodegenerative diseases. Via modern imaging technology, development and validation of novel, properly functionalized, luminescent conjugated polymers (LCPs) can give rise to entirely new and innovative methodology that can be used for biomedical research, diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis, and for support and guidance of therapeutic interventions for Alzheimer's disease and prior diseases. ASI harnesses its unique capabilities within "Lupas" to help identify and characterize amyloids that form the accumulation of plaques and proteins in the brain, usually associated with Alzheimer patients.

The consortium is composed of expert groups in experimental optics, polymer synthesis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and synthesis of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles, amyloid structure, AD mouse models, clinical AD and prior diseases. This project establishes strategic links between mainly SME based Industries, expert researchers at universities and principal users in terms of hospitals. The project consortium will develop and share an efficient plan for dissemination and exploitation of the project results.

Limor Siphosh, CEO of ASI, " We hope that by the end of the third year, we will have a better understanding of Alzheimer's disease, 'mad cow disease' and others. Knowledge will bring recognition and in time the ability to accurately diagnose and treat these diseases."

About ASI

Applied Spectral Imaging (ASI), is a leading developer and manufacturer of comprehensive solutions for Pathology and Cytogenetics imaging, computer aided technology and data management needs. ASI was founded in 1993; it is a privately held company with two fully owned subsidiaries that manage sales and customer support in North America and Europe, along with independent distributors throughout the rest of the world. The company owns more than 25 patents in the US alone, and other patents in Europe and Japan. These patents cover general use spectral imaging, image analysis, scanning techniques, spectroscopy in life science and medicine and patents for specific applications.

For further information: www.spectral-imaging.com