Research on MRI and what it can reveal. Covers restorative-sleep imaging, new MRI agents for cancer, prostate imaging, and dementia mapping.
Researchers discovered that manganese-enhanced MRI scans provide more accurate details of heart function than traditional methods, potentially increasing survival chances. The study suggests that early detection within the first few hours of a heart attack can optimize treatment regimes and regulate cardiac muscle changes.
A new imaging technique, 3D amplified MRI (aMRI), visualizes the brain's movement in real-time and in stunning detail. This method holds diagnostic potential for detecting obstructive brain disorders and aneurysms, which could lead to better treatment strategies.
A new study using 7T brain scans suggests that compromised energy metabolism may be an early indicator of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The researchers found a correlation between the energy reserve index and cognition levels, providing new insights into the disease.
Researchers used ultra-high field MRI to map the brains of people with Down syndrome, detecting subtle differences in hippocampal structure and function. The study provides insight into how subregions of the hippocampus are connected to other brain areas.
Researchers develop new technique to hyperpolarize and purify fumarate for MRI, offering cost-effective and convenient way to track metabolism in real-time. The method has potential applications in monitoring tumor responses to therapy and imaging acute kidney injuries.
A new species of deep-sea dumbo octopus has been identified using a combination of non-invasive and minimally invasive techniques. The study utilized MRI, micro-CT, and gene analysis to gather morphological and molecular information on the specimen without causing harm.
A retrospective review found non-contrast pituitary MRI has a high concordance rate with original reports, excepting cases requiring contrast for definitive characterization. The study suggests saving time and costs in imaging pediatric pathologies.
A recent study by Kanazawa University researchers found that leg muscle action can improve blood flow independently of age. The study used MRI imaging to measure changes in blood flow and pump action in the legs of healthy volunteers aged 24, 47, and 72 years.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a technique to track individual atoms in real time, allowing for greater control over material growth. This breakthrough could enable more precise design and manufacture of materials with unique properties.
At EuroCMR 2021, experts presented novel research on using hypnosis to enable claustrophobic patients to undergo CMR, the effect of weight loss on heart function in obese people, and improving detection of cardiotoxicity in lymphoma survivors. CMR is also revealing sex differences in how the heart adapts after a myocardial infarction.
Researchers have updated a pig brain atlas, increasing its resolution and adding a new atlas for adolescent pigs. The updated atlases will enable more precise studies of brain development and the impact of nutritional interventions on human infants. With improved detail, researchers can now study brain development in pigs up to adulthood.
Researchers have developed a kirigami technique to fabricate complex 3D nanostructures with unprecedented ease. By strategically introducing cuts to a uniform structural film, the team can create sophisticated three-dimensional structures that can change shape in response to environmental changes.
A large study of 11,679 nine- and ten-year-old children found potentially life-threatening brain abnormalities in 1 in 500 children and minor abnormalities in 1 out of 25. The study aims to save lives by reviewing MRI scans for incidental findings.
A study investigated incidental findings in brain MRIs of children, revealing significant rates that could affect diagnoses and treatments. The research highlights the importance of thorough image review and reporting.
Research suggests that contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) is concordant with MRI for staging in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer and breast augmentation. CEM was found to be effective in detecting additional cancers not identified by MRI, including two malignant lesions.
A new study by Dartmouth engineers has reduced patient wait times at Lahey Hospital in Massachusetts by 23%. The researchers used optimization and simulation tools to analyze data and develop a mathematical model to optimize the length of each exam slot and placement of inpatient exams.
Researchers studied COVID-19 patients in France, finding associations between brain MRI images, electroencephalography (EEG) recordings, and clinical symptoms. The study also discovered correlations between EEG findings and specific brain regions affected by the virus.
A large multidisciplinary study led by King's College London found that MRI scanning can show malformations in great detail, including their effect on surrounding structures. The procedure is safe for pregnant women and their babies, making it a valuable tool for clinicians and parents.
A new hyperpolarized proton MRI method has been developed by researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and the Helmholtz Institute Mainz. This technique uses parahydrogen to track biochemical processes in real-time, enabling the observation of metabolic processes without the drawbacks of existing hydrogen-based imaging methods.
Researchers developed a nanoparticle-based MRI contrast agent called SAIO for high-resolution 3D microvascular imaging, outperforming traditional gadolinium-based agents. The agent provides excellent resolution and stability, allowing for accurate diagnosis of cerebro-cardiovascular diseases.
A research team from MedUni Vienna has confirmed a threshold value for a non-invasive imaging biomarker in breast cancer screening. This can be incorporated into short standard MRI scans to reduce biopsy rates by 30%. DWI, a special MRI technique, measures the motion of water molecules and can indicate whether a biopsy is necessary.
A recent study found that more than half of COVID-19 patients discharged from hospital show signs of heart damage, including inflammation and scarring. The research used MRI scans to detect the damage in patients who had raised troponin levels indicating a possible problem with the heart.
Researchers found significant eye abnormalities in severe COVID-19 patients using MRI scans, suggesting the need for routine eye screening. The study also recommends dedicated exploration of eyes with high-resolution MRI, fundoscopy, and optical coherence tomography to detect nodules and monitor their impact.
Metal-containing diagnostic agents can detect early AD markers and synchrotron-independent, long-lived. They may improve access to AD imaging for risk groups, offering a solution to the current limitations of PET, MRI, and SPECT imaging.
A team led by Alexander Eichler has demonstrated the first scanning force microscope with a vibrating substrate, pushing sensitivity to its fundamental limit. The approach uses a perforated membrane as the 'table' and features an optical interferometer for sensitive measurement.
A Phase III clinical trial has shown that Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with targeted biopsies can detect clinically significant prostate cancer more accurately and reduce the need for invasive procedures. The study found that MRI-TBx can help avoid unnecessary treatments and improve patient outcomes.
Scientists developed a novel quantum sensor that can detect oxidative stress in organs during MRI scans, which could lead to early diagnosis of diseases like cancer and kidney dysfunction. The sensor uses a ring-shaped sugar-like compound and nitroxide derivatives to identify reduced cell/tissue capacity.
Researchers used MRI technology to investigate a new strategy for managing sodium levels in hemodialysis patients. Four weeks of low-sodium meals significantly reduced weight gain, thirst, and phosphorus levels in participants.
Research suggests that radiologists' diagnoses of lumbar spine pain generators are highly accurate when using patient-reported symptom information from brief questionnaires. The study found almost perfect agreement between radiologists' diagnoses using symptom information and those without it, improving diagnostic certainty levels.
Scientists used MRI to study brain activity during sleep, discovering that overall activity decreases but communication among brain regions becomes more dynamic. The findings suggest a breakdown in neural networks during transitions between light and deep sleep stages, with implications for understanding human consciousness.
A study of 419 breast MRI examinations found new suspicious findings in 5.5% of patients, but all were benign; results suggest biopsies may not be necessary for patients responding well to neoadjuvant therapy.
A study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center found lower degrees of myocarditis in athletes with a history of COVID-19 compared to previously reported rates. The research highlights the importance of considering cardiac MRI as an additional screening tool for detecting myocarditis in athletes.
A new imaging technique has been developed to identify non-ferromagnetic projectiles that are safe for MRI, enabling patients with ballistic embedded fragments to receive medical treatment. The technique uses radiography and CT images to distinguish between ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic bullets, allowing for safer MRI scans.
Researchers in Japan have used machine intelligence to fine-tune algorithms for brain mapping by MRI, improving the accuracy and reliability of connectome estimation. The new technique generates more convincing results, particularly in detecting long-range nerve fibers, crucial for understanding brain function.
Drs. Kelil and Jaimes will investigate personalized breast cancer risk assessment and fetal diffusion tensor imaging to improve conventional risk prediction models and characterize normal brain development in fetuses with congenital heart disease. Their studies aim to harness cutting-edge MRI processing tools to correct for fetal motion.
The study investigated factors affecting upper limb motor recovery after a stroke and found that structural integrity of the corticospinal tract is a key predictor. The researchers used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the condition of the corticospinal tract in 35 patients.
A study of 40,000 adults found that lonely individuals have distinct brain regions and networks, including a stronger default network and preserved fornix nerve fibers. This could help prevent neurological disease and develop better treatments for loneliness.
Researchers developed a manganese-based contrast agent that is diagnostically equivalent to gadolinium-based contrast agents but without the toxicity, offering a safer alternative for patients with chronic kidney disease. The new agent, Mn-PyC3A, is rapidly and completely eliminated from the body and does not accumulate in tissues.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute created a subspace mass spectrometry imaging approach to accelerate data acquisition without sacrificing quality. This technique can detect biomolecules across a wide range of sizes and has implications for analytical chemistry, clinical studies, and neurochemical research.
A new method, nnU-Net, has been developed to configure self-learning algorithms for a large number of different imaging datasets, enabling the interpretation of three-dimensional imaging data and distinguishing between tumor and non-tumor tissue.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have created a compact, low-power 'head only' MRI scanner for brain imaging. The device can be mounted in ambulances or clinics and emits less noise than traditional scanners.
A long-term study of over 1,000 people found that childhood lead exposure was associated with structural brain changes and a significant loss of IQ points by age 45. The study revealed subtle but detectable differences in brain structure, including reduced cortical surface area and hippocampal volume.
Researchers found that additional imaging tests revealed hidden causes of heart damage and inflammation in 84% of women with MINOCA, a type of non-obstructive coronary artery disease. The study suggests that women are more likely to have this condition than men, and it has the potential to guide medical therapy for secondary prevention.
Researchers observed that brain ventricles expanded in MS patients during inflammation, but then shrunk back to normal size after symptoms subsided. This finding suggests that ventricle volume fluctuations may be reversible and have clinical relevance for monitoring disease progression.
A new three-dimensional imaging technique has been developed to improve the visibility of brain tumors in MRI scans, doubling contrast between tumors and normal brain tissue. This could enable earlier detection and more effective treatment of malignant tumors.
A new 'fast' MRI test has been shown to detect breast cancers that 3-D mammograms may miss in women with dense breasts. The test, which is an abbreviated version of traditional breast MRI, detected 27 cancers per 1,000 women screened.
Researchers found that fluorine-18-labeled fluciclovine PET/MRI accurately identified prostate cancer lesions, suspicious lymph nodes, and detected nodal metastases not visible on conventional imaging. The technology also showed promise in evaluating response to androgen deprivation therapy.
Researchers propose new method to verify star and planet formation theory by simulating the Princeton Magnetorotational Instability (MRI) Experiment. The study finds that instabilities can be seen before the upper limit of experimental rotation rate is reached, shedding light on the growth of celestial bodies.
Researchers are combining global MRI data to predict outcomes and develop new treatments for traumatic brain injury, a major cause of disability. By pooling resources and analyzing large datasets, they aim to tackle complex questions about brain function and recovery.
A study published in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging demonstrates the safety of performing MRI exams in patients with non-MR compatible cardiac devices, including those who are pacemaker-dependent or have abandoned leads. The results showed no adverse events and improved diagnosis and treatment plans for patients.
A study of secondary body MRI interpretations at tertiary care centers found a high rate of discrepancies, with cognitive errors being the most common type. The researchers suggest that subspecialty interpretations and additional resources are needed to address these errors and their potential impact on patient outcomes.
Researchers developed SeSBAT, a computer program that analyzes magnetic resonance images to detect early signs of neurodegenerative diseases. The tool identifies biomarkers before symptoms appear, allowing for individualized monitoring and more accurate management.
The availability of mpMRIp in Australia has led to a significant reduction in prostate biopsies by an average of 354.7 per month. This is estimated to save $13.2 million annually, making it a financially sensible policy from a healthcare perspective.
Researchers at King's College London have developed a new method for detecting congenital heart disease in babies, using 4D visualizations of the heart to measure blood flow and vessel function. This technology could become a new tool for aiding diagnosis, potentially improving outcomes for babies born with the condition.
Skoltech researchers propose a fast and accurate numerical method to address the low spatial resolution of EEG studies. The new approach directly backpropagates measured signals from the skin down to the cortex, increasing accuracy for source localization while speeding up processing.
Researchers developed an AI-based deep learning platform, DystoniaNet, to diagnose dystonia from brain MRIs with high accuracy. The platform detected cases of dystonia with 98.8 percent accuracy and identified a new microstructural neural network biological marker.
A research team has discovered a remarkable echo effect in phosphorus atoms on silicon, allowing for the detection of multiple spin echoes. This effect is due to strong coupling between atomic spins and microwave photons, enabling the processing of quantum information.
Researchers at HSS are using magnetic resonance neurography to study Parsonage-Turner Syndrome, a painful nerve disorder that can cause sudden weakness. High-resolution images of peripheral nerves will be obtained to discover biomarkers for detection and monitoring, as well as aid in surgical planning.
A study found that COVID-19 recovery in competitive college athletes can lead to myocardial inflammation, as detected by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The researchers identified a high-risk group of athletes who should be carefully monitored before returning to play.
A portable, low-field MRI device can be safely used at bedside to evaluate critically-ill patients for suspected stroke or traumatic brain injury. The device produced important neuroimaging findings in 29 of 30 patients and detected abnormal neurologic findings in eight of 20 patients with altered mental status.