Student publication explores lower back pain

Madison Buckles, a second-year student in the College of Medicine, is first author on an article, titled “High-Resolution 3-Dimensional Micro-CT Imaging of Intervertebral Discs Using a Novel Contrast Agent," published in the Journal of Orthopedic Research (JOR) Spine.

This study presents a micro-CT imaging technique that visualizes the center of spinal discs, called the nucleus pulposus.

“Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and this method allows scientists to study disc degeneration more clearly and efficiently,” Buckles explained. “Because it uses standard micro-CT scanners and a widely available contrast agent, it is highly accessible and has the potential to accelerate preclinical research, and, with further development, could reduce reliance of MRI for early imaging of disc degeneration.”

Buckles has worked in the lab of Mohammad Yunus Ansari, Ph.D., for the past two years, beginning during a gap year and continuing to the present.

“During this time, I have gained hands-on research experience, from designing experiments to analyzing complex imaging, which has been transformational for my growth as an aspiring physician-scientist,” she said. “I am proud to have completed this work at NEOMED and excited about its potential impact.”

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