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New coil to make magnetic resonance (MR) imaging easier
January 24, 2003Oxford University researchers have devised a novel coil design for magnetic resonance (MR) application, devised specifically for deep organ MR where sensitive imaging and spectroscopy have been previously difficult.
Deep organ magnetic resonance requires maximised sensitivity and magnetic field homogeneity over a relatively large field of view (FOV). However, it is difficult to maximise both sensitivity and magnetic field homogeneity simultaneously. The sensitivity can be maximised by reducing the coil volume, but this minimises the magnetic field homogeneity. Conversely, the magnetic field homogeneity can be maximised by increasing the coil volume, but this minimises sensitivity.
The conventional approach to addressing the problem of sensitivity and homogeneity balance utilises the Phased-Coil array. The Phased-Coil array consists of closely packed surface coils that offer both the sensitivity of a surface coil and the large FOV benefit of a volume coil. This approach, however, requires a separate RF transmitter coil and MR scanner with multiple receiver channels, thereby significantly increasing both the complexity and cost of use.
The Oxford researchers have addressed these problems by designing an RF coil that is appropriate for deep organ applications like cardiac MR without greatly increasing the complexity and cost of the MR scanner itself. The coil has been devised to increase the available 'sweet spot' of the coil to deep-lying regions of interest, facilitating imaging and spectroscopy of elements deep within the subject of interest. The coil can be used in MR scanners that are only equipped to use a single coil, and because the coil is suitable for both imaging and spectroscopy, the dual functionality makes its use more cost effective.
Isis Innovation, Oxford University's technology transfer company, has filed a patent application for this technology and welcomes contact from companies interested in commercially developing this novel coil design in MR applications.
Isis Innovation Ltd
Aging Current Events and Aging News RSSNew recommendations by scientific societies about late-onset hypogonadism
The January issue of European Urology, the official journal of the European Association of Urology published by Elsevier, will feature new recommendations on late-onset hypogonadism (LOH), recently formulated by major scientific organizations.
Calcium and vitamin D may not be the only protection against bone loss
Diets that are high in protein and cereal grains produce an excess of acid in the body which may increase calcium excretion and weaken bones, according to a new study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM).
Experts discuss applying systematic review to the field of nutrition
Performing systematic reviews of nutrition related topics raises unique challenges not often encountered in the field of medicine. In a new article, a team of researchers use specific examples to describe the steps, strengths, and limitations of systematic reviews relevant to nutrition and discuss the factors that impact the results.
New study indicates smallpox vaccination effective for decades
Although naturally occurring smallpox was eradicated in 1977, there is concern that bioterrorists might obtain smallpox from a laboratory and release it into the population.
Adiponectin is a metabolic link between obesity and bone mineral density
Researchers at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Canada, have discovered that adiponectin, a protein secreted from adipocytes, is a metabolic link that can explain, in part, the known positive relationship between obesity and both bone mineral density and reduced susceptibility to fractures.
Bittersweet milestones
For many of the elderly, the golden years are anything but. Faced with health problems, financial issues and the death of a spouse or loved one, many adults 65 years and older suffer from depression. While research is emerging to help this group understand and treat the problem, another group - centenarians - has been left largely in the dark.
Primary care provides patients with better outcomes at lower cost
A white paper, How is a Shortage of Primary Care Physicians Affecting the Quality and Cost of Medical Care?, released today by the American College of Physicians (ACP) documents the value of primary care by reviewing 20 years of research.
Study Investigates Non-Surgical Placement of a Gore-tex Type Device in the Heart to Stop Recurrent Strokes and Mini-Strokes
A study is under way at Rush University Medical Center using a small, soft-patch device made of a Gore-tex-type material - often used to make durable outerwear - to close a common hole found in the heart called a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in order to prevent recurrent strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) in adults.
Scientists Discover New Planet Orbiting Dangerously Close to Giant Star
A team of astronomers from Penn State and Nicolaus Copernicus University in Poland has discovered a new planet that is closely orbiting a red-giant star, HD 102272, which is much older than our own Sun.
Exercise increases brain growth factor and receptors, prevents stem cell drop in middle age
A new study confirms that exercise can reverse the age-related decline in the production of neural stem cells in the hippocampus of the mouse brain, and suggests that this happens because exercise restores a brain chemical which promotes the production and maturation of new stem cells.
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