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A non-invasive method to detect Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have linked changes in brain anatomy to early biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a non-invasive test may detect AD before symptoms appear. The study found that specific regions of the hippocampal circuit shrink in individuals with high levels of tau and amyloid-Beta proteins.

SourceMcGill University·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateDec 19, 2017

Neutrophil-inspired propulsion

Researchers have created a novel system that enables aggregates composed of magnetized particles to roll along a channel using a combined acoustic and magnetic field. The system has shown promise for delivering drugs to hard-to-reach sites within the body, with potential applications in cancer treatment.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2017

Worried about holiday weight gain? Your scale isn't giving you the whole picture

A new study used MRI imaging technology to plot diverse changes in body organ fat storage pools during 18 months of Mediterranean/low-carb and low-fat diets, with and without moderate physical exercise. The results showed that even with modest weight loss, the Med/LC diet was significantly superior to a low-fat diet in reducing some fa...

Manganese-based MRI contrast agent may be safer alternative to gadolinium-based agents

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a potential alternative to gadolinium-based contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The new manganese-based agent Mn-PyC3A produced comparable image enhancement to the standard of care with rapid clearance and less likelihood of toxicity. The study used a baboon...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalRadiology·DateNov 15, 2017

MS risk in children spotted with MRI brain scans

A new study at Yale University identified changes in the brain associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) using MRI scans in children. The researchers found that approximately 42% of children with abnormal MRI findings developed clinical MS symptoms within two years, highlighting the importance of closer follow-up for this high-risk group.

Do you really need that MRI?

A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that clinicians' prior image-ordering habits and equipment ownership are strong indicators of unnecessary MRI orders. This highlights the need for physicians to offer financially responsible care, particularly in cases of uncomplicated back pain and headaches.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 25, 2017

Rapid imaging of granular matter

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new technique using magnetic resonance imaging to study granular systems, enabling real-time imaging and measurement of particle velocities. This breakthrough has potential applications in fields such as carbon capture and could lead to higher efficiency and energy savings.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 21, 2017

AJR study: Musculoskeletal extremity imaging use among Medicare population climbs sharply

The study found that utilization rates for musculoskeletal extremity imaging modalities increased significantly between 1994 and 2013, with MRI experiencing an initial period of rapid growth. The four most common modalities - radiography, ultrasound, MRI, and CT - saw increases in volume and per-beneficiary utilization.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateSep 1, 2017

Dogma overturned: New studies into inflammation in the infarcted heart could lead to changes in therapy

Researchers at CNIC and FJD have demonstrated a bimodal postinfarction inflammatory reaction in human patients using advanced MRI technology. The study reveals two distinct edematous reactions occurring at different times after an infarction, with implications for clinical trials and future studies.

Multicolor MRIs could aid disease detection

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a new multicolor MRI method that enables simultaneous detection of two different contrast agents, allowing for immediate comparisons of diseased and healthy tissue. This breakthrough has the potential to transform molecular imaging and aid disease diagnosis.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 16, 2017

MRI contrast agents accumulate in the brain

Researchers recommend reevaluating the need for contrast agents in MRI scans to minimize brain accumulation and potential health risks. Emerging evidence suggests that small amounts of gadolinium deposit in certain brain areas after repeated use, but the scientific community agrees that the current benefits outweigh these risks.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateAug 7, 2017

New MRI contrast agent tested on big animals

Researchers developed a new non-toxic contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), surpassing gadolinium's limitations. The agent, PEG-IONCs, demonstrated high biocompatibility in rabbits, beagle dogs, and macaque monkeys, showing promise as a next-generation diagnostic tool.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 31, 2017

Imaging of Scar Tissue Formation

Researchers have created a new gadolinium-based probe for noninvasive monitoring of lung fibrogenesis, which can lead to scarring. The probe targets allysine, an amino acid indicative of active collagen cross-linking, and displays high target selectivity in both test tube and real mouse models.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 19, 2017

Aphasia recovery via speech therapy related to structural plasticity of the ventral stream

Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found a significant correlation between microstructural white matter changes and aphasia recovery after speech therapy. The study supports the dual-stream language model and highlights the importance of structural plasticity in semantic skills, leading to improved treatment outcomes.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJul 10, 2017