Research on MRI and what it can reveal. Covers restorative-sleep imaging, new MRI agents for cancer, prostate imaging, and dementia mapping.
Research reveals dose-dependent gadolinium deposits in normal brain tissue of patients who underwent MRI with contrast agents, suggesting a widespread issue. The study's findings contradict previous assumptions about the blood-brain barrier's impermeability to gadolinium.
A multicenter study found that MRI screening added 3.8 additional cancers per 1,000 women compared to mammography alone, while ultrasonography added 2.4 additional cancers. Women treated with breast conservation surgery and radiotherapy remain at increased risk for second breast cancers.
A new method of measuring sports-related muscle injury uses localised bioimpedance measurement (L-BIA) to quantify damage and provide accurate return-to-play time. The study found L-BIA enables clinicians to differentiate between two types of partial muscle tears that cannot be distinguished using MRI.
Cancer diagnosis at early stages remains challenging, but dual modal imaging using MRI and optical imaging has been developed. Europium doped gadolinium oxide nanorods were synthesized to produce bright contrasts in both imaging modalities.
A summer reading program showed significant improvement in children from lower-income families, with anatomical changes in the brain detected. Higher socioeconomic backgrounds were initially expected to show more improvement, but the study found that family income level was the most predictive factor.
Researchers used MRIs to analyze infant brain connectivity and synchronize brain regions. The study found that differences in these connections at six months could predict autism diagnoses at two years old, with the machine learning classifier correctly identifying 81% of babies who developed autism.
A new metasurface-based technology has been tested on humans, providing higher signals from local brain regions and potentially reducing image acquisition time or acquiring higher resolution images. The use of metasurfaces could improve MRI comfort for patients and disease diagnosis.
Researchers found that using MRI to detect lesions and guide biopsies increased standardized quality-adjusted life years for patients, and was cost-effective in 94.05% of simulations. This approach could change how doctors identify and sample cancer lesions, reducing unnecessary treatments and costs.
A team from the Technical University of Munich has developed a pH sensor that renders pH values visible through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - in a non-invasive, radiation-free manner. This method could provide insights into tumor metabolism and help evaluate the efficacy of tumor treatments.
Research on 48 fetuses exposed to Zika found that three had abnormal fetal MRIs, including heterotopia, parietal encephalocele, and thin corpus callosum. The vast majority of fetuses had normal MRI results, but long-term neurological outcomes remain uncertain.
Researchers have developed a novel NMR technique that can extract full metabolic profiles from living organisms, providing insights into disease diagnosis and biological processes. The technique has potential for non-invasive disease detection and understanding brain chemistry.
The American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) honors Norman J. Beauchamp Jr. and Robert A. Novelline for their contributions to medical imaging research and clinical practice. These gold medalists are recognized for their work in developing advanced MRI imaging techniques and advancing trauma diagnosis.
Researchers have developed a means of non-invasively tracking nanodiamonds with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), opening up new applications in disease diagnosis and therapy. The technique uses the Overhauser effect to boost the weak magnetic resonance signal of diamond, allowing for high-contrast imaging over indefinite periods.
A team of neuroscientists has developed a technique that predicts brain age based on MRI scans, finding a link between the discrepancy and increased risk of mental and physical health decline. The study shows that those with 'older brains' are more likely to die before 80, suggesting potential for early intervention.
A new noninvasive imaging test, sestamibi SPECT/CT, has been shown to accurately rule out kidney cancers. The test adds diagnostic information to conventional CT and MRI scans, improving physicians' ability to differentiate between benign and malignant tumors.
Researchers at Duke University have created two new magnetic materials using high-throughput computational models. The success marks a new era for the large-scale design of new magnetic materials, with potential applications in motors, MRI machines and beyond.
A collaboration created a 3D-printed phantom of a stenotic intracranial artery to standardize high-resolution MRI protocols for studying intracranial atherosclerotic disease. The phantom enables standardized vessel-wall MRI at multiple sites, facilitating multicenter trials and accelerating research.
Researchers have used machine learning to analyze brain imaging data and identify patterns predictive of depression. The study found that DTI-derived fractional anisotropy maps can accurately classify depressed or vulnerable individuals versus healthy controls.
The first issue of Volume 2 of Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications (CVIA) has been published with a Special Issue on Imaging. The issue brings together contributions from leading cardiologists and features recent advances in noninvasive cardiac imaging, as well as clinical applications and future directions.
Researchers at ICFO have developed a new method to measure atomic spin angle and amplitude with unprecedented precision, evading the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. This breakthrough allows for more accurate measurements of atomic spins, opening the door to the development of far more sensitive instruments.
A study found that nearly a quarter of older patients developing new microbleeds after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) experience cognitive decline. Microbleeds are detrimental to thinking and memory, and factors associated with increased risk include previous cardiovascular intervention and prolonged anticoagulant exposure.
A study of children with untreated sleep apnea found significant reductions in gray matter, particularly in regions related to movement, memory, and emotions. The findings suggest that early detection and therapy are crucial for preventing long-term brain damage and cognitive deficits.
A study published in Health Communications shows that women at high risk for breast cancer who received a letter informing them of their options for additional imaging with contrast-enhanced MRI were more likely to return for additional screening. The researchers found that direct communication increased follow-up screening rates among...
Researchers at Australian National University have designed a portable device that uses MRI and mass spectrometry to analyze objects. The device, inspired by science fiction tools like the sonic screwdriver and tricorder, could revolutionize laboratory work and medical research.
Researchers are developing control algorithms and imaging technology to harness MRI power for millimeter-sized robots to navigate the body's venous system. The goal is to use large numbers of mini-robots to target specific lesions, delivering chemotherapy or interventions.
A new study has demonstrated that patients with non-MRI-conditional pacemakers and defibrillators can undergo MRI at 1.5 tesla without harm when screened and monitored according to the MagnaSafe protocol. The researchers observed no device failures or cardiac arrhythmias in 1,500 patients.
A new study from Germany found that MRI screening improved early diagnosis of breast cancer in women with an average risk of developing the disease. The study detected 60 additional cancers, including 40 invasive cancers, for an overall supplemental cancer detection rate of 15.5 per 1,000 women.
Researchers develop a pipeline to power fast and accurate image processing for precision medicine. The platform combines the imaging capabilities of Philips MRI scanners with the processing power of Stampede supercomputer.
Researchers have developed new iron oxide nanoparticles with zwitterion coating that can produce similar MRI contrast to gadolinium-based agents without the risk of adverse effects. The particles are water-soluble, compact and biocompatible, making them a potential safer substitute for current contrast agents.
Researchers developed a new platform to switch MRI signals ON only in the presence of targeted diseases. The Nano MRI Lamp uses Magnetic Resonance Tuning (MRET) to control signal strength based on distance between magnetic materials.
Researchers found consistent differences in prostate shape and transitional zone between men with and without prostate cancer. The findings suggest a potential biomarker for disease diagnosis and aggressiveness.
Researchers at the University of Missouri developed new software TREND that can analyze series of images much faster and more accurately than ever before. This software resolves and tracks changes among images, enabling quicker analysis of complex data.
Researchers discovered a reduction in brain tissue and increased fluid accumulation in the upper brain of Zika-infected fetuses. The study, which included 7 cases, found a significant difference in total brain volume and intracranial volume between Zika-exposed fetuses and healthy controls.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a piglet model to study nutrition's effects on infant brain development and behavior. The new review article highlights several studies on pediatric nutrition, including those that assess brain development outcomes using advanced MRI methods.
Recent preclinical research suggests microinfarcts can induce prolonged dysfunction in brain areas estimated 12-times larger than the visible injury site, contributing to cognitive decline and dementia. The study used a mouse model to examine the effects of individual cortical microinfarcts on surrounding tissue function in vivo.
A recent study published in Neurology found that adhering to a Mediterranean diet can help maintain brain volume in older adults. The study, which followed 967 Scottish people aged 70 for three years, revealed that those who followed the diet more closely retained more brain volume than those who did not.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a method to link magnetic resonance imaging signals to gene expression in cells, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of disease. The technique uses aquaporin reporter genes to visualize gene expression in living tissues, with potential clinical translation.
A study published in The Lancet found that adding an MRI scan after a 20-week ultrasound scan can increase the accuracy of diagnosing fetal brain abnormalities, with almost all scans being correct. This extra information helps doctors give more accurate diagnoses and advice to parents.
Research reveals that endurance running alters brain structure and function in ways similar to complex tasks like playing a musical instrument. The study found greater functional connectivity in the brains of young adult cross country runners compared to sedentary individuals.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a non-invasive method to detect infections in prostheses using an improved version of electrical capacitance tomography and a thin-film sensor that can detect changes in pH levels. The new method could provide quantitative diagnostic information about the extent and locations of infections.
MR urography (MRU) offers an alternative to CT urography (CTU) for whole urinary tract imaging. However, proper technique is crucial, with steps needed to ensure adequate distention and visualization of the entire system.
Researchers have shown that macrocyclic MRI contrast agents may reduce the risk of gadolinium brain deposition, a concern for patients with multiple sclerosis. Macrocyclic agents were found to minimize deposits in the cerebellum, whereas linear agents posed a higher risk.
Researchers found that high-resolution brain scans using magnetoencephalography (MEG) can detect concussions more accurately than traditional methods like MRI or CT scans. MEG measures changes in brain communication between areas, allowing for earlier diagnosis and potentially improved treatment and recovery processes.
Researchers used MRI measurements to detect higher levels of oxidative stress in patients with schizophrenia compared to healthy individuals and those with bipolar disorder. The study suggests that oxidation imbalance may contribute to the development and progression of schizophrenia.
A panel of urologists and radiologists recommends using prostate MRI and MRI targeted biopsy for patients with suspected prostate cancer despite a prior negative biopsy. The recommended guidelines aim to improve detection rates, accuracy, and treatment options for these patients.
Researchers developed a high-precision sensor to measure small variations in strong magnetic fields, enabling the detection of mechanical processes in the body. The technique has broad applications in medicine and biological research, including the development of new contrast agents for MRI.
Researchers create new sensors that detect proteins and induce blood flow changes, allowing for non-radiative imaging of molecules in the brain. This approach enables detection of biologically low-level molecules and monitoring of dynamic processes in the brain.
Adults with MCI who exercised four times a week experienced an increase in brain volume, particularly in gray matter regions. Aerobic exercise also improved executive function compared to stretching exercises.
A world-first MRI study has investigated the heart function of kidney patients undergoing dialysis treatment, revealing significant cardiovascular effects with both standard haemodialysis and hemodiafiltration. Both treatments caused falls in cardiac performance, with partial recovery after dialysis, highlighting the need for intervent...
Researchers used whole-brain MRI mapping to reveal pathological alterations in brain iron distribution. They found excess iron in areas like the substantia nigra and decreased iron content in previously overlooked regions, such as the dentate nucleus.
Three new studies provide insight into the effects of Zika virus on congenital brain damage in babies and adults with neurological disorders. The research highlights common CT brain findings, including decreased brain volume and calcifications, as well as MRI findings such as orbital injuries and anatomical changes in brain tissue.
A new imaging technique has confirmed that each person's brain structure is unique, allowing for nearly perfect identification. The study also shows the brain's unique pattern changes over time.
A noninvasive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) method has been proposed to detect bone marrow cancer, potentially changing the way this disease is diagnosed. The researchers used T2-weighted MRI to identify a pre-fibrotic state of the disease with a clear bright signal.
A new study has identified a group of brain structural networks linked to loss of cognitive function, highlighting the importance of cerebral small vessel disease. The research found that certain networks are less affected by age, while others show decreased expression and correlation with impaired cognitive functioning.
The SENTINEL trial found that the Sentinel device was safe during TAVR but did not meet its primary efficacy endpoint of reducing median new lesion volume on MRI. Despite this, embolic protection resulted in a reduction of new lesion volume after adjusting for confounders.
A study using MRI found significant structural differences in the brains of children with PTSD compared to those without. The findings suggest a shift towards a more localized network structure, which may be a target for future treatments. This research could help develop new interventions for pediatric PTSD.
A comprehensive rat brain atlas has been created to guide stereotaxic surgery procedures, combining high-resolution MRI images with histological sections. The atlas features a standardized reference grid and precise coordinates, enabling accurate targeting of surgical targets.
Researchers at UVA have created a new imaging method that combines the advantages of MRI and gamma-ray imaging, enabling high-resolution medical diagnostics with minimal tracer material. The technique uses radioactive xenon isotopes to produce images with increased sensitivity and diagnostic power.
The University of Melbourne team created a quantum molecular microscope to image individual atoms in bio-molecules, overcoming issues with conventional biomolecule imaging. The system uses atomic-sized qubits as highly sensitive quantum sensors to capture high-resolution images.
A new imaging technique can predict who is most at risk for stroke due to atrial fibrillation. The technique, called 'atrial 4D flow CMR,' detects blood flow velocity and can help reduce over-treatment of patients.