A SOUTHAMPTON scientist has presented research to improve the sensitivity of scans used in the detection and diagnosis of cancers to MPs.

As part of a national competition, Alessandra Costantino, a postgraduate research student at the University of Southampton, presented her research to politicians, Parliamentarians and a panel of expert judges, as part of STEM for BRITAIN on Thursday, March 4.

Alessandra’s poster will be judged against dozens of other scientists’ research, in the only national competition of its kind.

Her presentation explained how she and her colleagues are working to improve the sensitivity of scans commonly used in the detection and diagnosis of cancers and to analyse the health of internal organs.

Alessandra has designed a prototype camera that allows scans to be carried out while reducing the patient’s exposure to radiation.

This could enable more frequent scans to monitor a patient’s progress or safer scans for young patients.

The design of the camera is inspired by special telescopes that astronomers use to study radiation coming from outer space.

She said: “My research has a very broad background that spans from astrophysics to medical imaging though radiation detection techniques.

“It is always really exciting for me to get together with other researchers and see how our similar skillsets can be applied to advance technology and impact society in a wide variety of areas.

“After I complete my PhD I plan to continue my career in applied science, hopefully studying new ways to improve the quality and safety of medical imaging.”

STEM for BRITAIN is an annual poster competition, usually held in the House of Commons.

The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee runs the event in collaboration with the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Society of Biology, Physiological Society, Council for the Mathematical Sciences, and the Nutrition Society.