Research on MRI and what it can reveal. Covers restorative-sleep imaging, new MRI agents for cancer, prostate imaging, and dementia mapping.
GuidaBot is developing a robotic system that enables doctors to perform biopsies while the patient remains within an MRI machine, allowing for faster and more precise procedures. The company has received a $225,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to support ongoing research and testing of prototype systems.
Chemists have created a new technique to yield highly detailed, three-dimensional images of battery interiors. This approach uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to monitor the condition of batteries in real time, potentially leading to more efficient and safer power sources.
A study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that X-rays are the most effective diagnostic tool for knee pain in middle-aged patients. The study suggests that weight-bearing X-rays should be obtained before an MRI to screen for knee pain, as they can often provide enough information for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
A new scanning technique produces extremely high-res 3D images of bones without exposing patients to X-ray radiation. The technique uses biologically safe nanoagents that target calcium-rich surfaces in damaged bones, providing detailed blueprints of weakness or injury.
Researchers used the DecNef technique to associate neutral faces with positive or negative feelings in volunteers, resulting in changes in facial preferences. The study suggests that the cingulate cortex is involved in handling both sides of emotion, leading to significant changes in ratings for faces rated as positive or negative.
A new study published in JAMA found that performing an MRI on a woman in the early part of pregnancy does not increase the risk of stillbirth, death after birth, or birth defects. The study also found no association between first-trimester MRIs and vision loss, hearing loss, or cancer in children's first four years.
A new study found a correlation between microscopic brain damage and impaired cognitive performance in patients with symptomatic carotid artery disease. The researchers used diffusion tensor imaging to assess white matter tract skeleton mean diffusivity, which showed the closest correlation with cognitive impairment.
Exposure to MRI during the first trimester was not associated with increased risk of harm to the fetus or congenital anomalies. However, gadolinium-enhanced MRI was linked to a broad set of rheumatological and inflammatory conditions in early childhood.
A study by researchers at four US medical centers found that common conditions are frequently misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis, leading patients to receive unnecessary treatment. The study identified five primary diagnoses that mimic MS symptoms, resulting in long-term misdiagnosis for some patients.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered that MRI scans can detect the shrinkage of key brain regions in individuals with cognitive problems, similar to those seen in CTE cases confirmed by autopsy. This finding raises the possibility of using MRI scans to diagnose CTE in living patients.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center developed a novel MRI method that can detect low levels of zinc ions to differentiate between healthy and malignant prostate tissue. This technique has the potential to serve as a biomarker for tracking prostate cancer progression.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a non-invasive MRI technique that measures liver fat density with high accuracy. This method corresponds to histological responses in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and shows promise for future clinical trials and treatment.
A new MRI technique, Plug-and-Play MR Fingerprinting (PnP-MRF), has been developed to eliminate artifacts and create high-quality images. This innovation enables accurate diagnoses and reveals disease patterns that are consistent from patient to patient, promising superior imaging with less expensive machines.
A new cerebral protection device has been shown to reduce the number and volume of brain lesions in high-risk patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation. The study found significant reductions in brain damage and adverse events, but calls for further research to assess long-term effects.
Scientists at the University of Basel have created nanoparticles that can serve as efficient contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These smart nanoparticles produce significantly more contrast than traditional contrast agents and respond to specific environments.
A new detailed map of the brain's cerebral cortex will aid researchers studying brain disorders and elucidate human uniqueness. The map divides both hemispheres into 180 areas based on physical and functional differences.
A high-temperature superconducting coil developed by UH scientists boosts signal-to-noise ratio, revealing brain structures not easily visualized with conventional coils. The new technology can also acquire images in a shorter time than conventional coils.
Neuroscientists found specific brain regions active when using prototype and exemplar strategies for categorization. These strategies help reduce information load by applying different cognitive processes.
Researchers mapped brain connections after stroke to predict language deficits, finding damage beyond cortical tissue is crucial for language impairment. The study suggests connections in the parietal region play a key role in language function, with preservation of these connections linked to better recovery chances.
Researchers have discovered that swordfish use a large oil gland at the base of their bill to reduce drag and achieve super-fast speeds. This gland produces a surface that is super water-repellent, reducing drag by over 20%.
Researchers have developed an AI-powered MRI technique that can detect early forms of dementia, including mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The technique uses machine learning to analyze perfusion maps created by arterial spin labeling (ASL) imaging, with high accuracy in distinguishing between patients.
A large-scale study of 246,557 patients found no significant association between gadolinium exposure and parkinsonism, a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. Researchers observed a similar incidence of incident parkinsonism among those exposed to gadolinium-enhanced MRIs as those who received non-gadolinium-enhanced MRIs.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a soft motor that enables torque without bending, making it suitable for search and rescue missions, deep space exploration, and manipulating objects during MRI. The squishy wheels allow for passive suspensions in wheeled vehicles, making the design simple yet effective.
Researchers have discovered a massive helium gas field in the Tanzanian Rift Valley, ensuring a stable supply of this finite resource. The find, associated with volcanoes, has calculated a probable resource of 54 Billion Cubic Feet, enough to fill over 1.2 million medical MRI scanners.
A new study published in Radiology found that pre-operative supine MRI can provide more detailed and accurate information than prone MRI, helping surgeons detect remnant tumors and ensure clear margins. This could lead to effective tumor removal and reduce the need for re-operations.
Researchers used advanced MRI to predict which concussion patients would fully recover and identify brain areas involved in the repair process. The study found that high FA white-matter areas correlated with better outcomes, while low FA areas showed axon damage and cognitive impairment.
A University of California San Diego study describes a new imaging biomarker that enhances MRI to differentiate aggressive prostate cancer from low-grade or benign tumors. The technology, called restriction spectrum imaging (RSI), allows for non-invasive detection and prediction of tumor grade without biopsy.
A new study published in Radiology found increased blood-brain barrier permeability in people with early Alzheimer's disease. The researchers used contrast-enhanced MRI to identify leakages in the BBB, which could represent a key mechanism in the early stages of the disease.
Researchers developed a new contrast agent to monitor stem cell treatments inside the body using MRI scans. The agent addresses technical challenges such as toxicity and accumulation in cells, offering improved resolution and sensitivity.
The study, published in the American Society of Neuroradiology's annual meeting, found that younger patients, African-Americans, and those seen by a stroke team received more advanced imaging, including MRI and MR angiogram. The findings highlight disparities in neuroimaging use for different patient groups.
Long-term AA members who recited AA prayers after viewing drinking-related images reported less craving for alcohol than those who just read a newspaper. Brain activity increased in areas responsible for attention and emotion, suggesting an innate ability to minimize the effect of alcohol triggers.
Researchers developed a new approach to prostate cancer treatment using vessel-sparing radiation combined with MRI. The technique reduces side effects such as erectile dysfunction and bladder or rectal irritation while achieving high cure rates.
A new virtual heart assessment tool developed by Johns Hopkins University predicts which patients are most likely to experience life-threatening arrhythmias. The tool, VARP, uses magnetic resonance imaging records and computer modeling techniques to gauge the risk of sudden cardiac death.
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is a stronger predictor of risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) than single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). CMR has higher sensitivity and negative predictive value compared to SPECT, making it a robust alternative for diagnosing coronary heart disease.
A recent study published in NeuroImage tracked the rate of myelination in children's brains, revealing insights into the rapid growth of nerve fibers during childhood. The findings have implications for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders and diseases like multiple sclerosis and leukodystrophies.
Researchers have developed detailed digital models of organs that can accurately monitor and outcome measurements for clinical trials. These models can enable more effective monitoring of the impact of new drugs and treatments, reducing the need for invasive tests.
Researchers found an inverse association between muscle fat and physical activity level, as well as a positive link with body mass index. Ultrasound technology proved advantageous for assessing muscle composition, particularly for individuals with disabilities or certain medical conditions.
Groundbreaking research in 13 radiology subspecialities presented during the ARRS 2016 Annual Meeting. Notable findings include improved prostate cancer detection and grading using restriction spectrum imaging, reduced unnecessary biopsies via novel mammographic algorithm, and faster knee MRI acquisition with accelerated SPACE.
A new study published at The International Liver Congress 2016 found that the diabetes drug sitagliptin was no more effective than placebo in reducing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, researchers demonstrated that non-invasive imaging techniques based on MRI were useful for measuring changes in liver fat and fibrosis.
Researchers used SPECT-MRI fusion to assess sentinel lymph nodes in early-stage cervical cancer patients, finding that it could identify metastases with high accuracy. This non-invasive approach may reduce the need for surgical removal of lymph nodes and improve patient outcomes.
A team of doctors analyzed brain scans of 23 babies born with microcephaly associated with Zika, revealing severe brain damage and abnormalities. The study found extremely severe brain calcification, malformations of cortical development, and delayed myelination in most cases.
A recent study by the American Academy of Neurology found that over 40% of retired NFL players showed signs of traumatic brain injury based on sensitive MRI scans. The study also revealed a significant correlation between longer NFL careers and increased risk of TBI.
Researchers from MedInsight Research Institute analyze studies detailing gadolinium toxicity mechanisms, contradicting the longstanding belief that patients with normal kidney function are not at risk. The study calls for FDA action to address the gap in scientific knowledge about treatment for gadolinium toxicity.
Researchers found abnormalities in white matter tracts of patients with insomnia, affecting sleep regulation and cognitive function. The thalamus, which regulates consciousness and sleep, was particularly affected.
A new study published in Radiology suggests that diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can predict long-term effects of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) in veterans. The study found associations between initial post-deployment DTI measurements and neurobehavioral symptoms, timing of injury, and subsequent functional outcomes.
Duke University researchers have discovered a new class of molecular tags that can enhance MRI signals by 10,000-fold, generating detectable signals that last over an hour. This breakthrough paves the way for widespread use of magnetic resonance imaging to monitor metabolic processes in real-time.
Researchers from the University of Surrey developed a breeding strategy to reduce the risk of Chiari malformation in toy dogs. By cross-breeding Brussels Griffons with Australian Terriers, they created puppies with reduced symptoms of the debilitating condition, which affects 1 in 1280 humans.
A recent study found that ultrasound-estimated fat content in muscles is inversely associated with physical activity level and positively associated with body mass index. This non-invasive test could be especially useful for individuals with disabilities or certain medical conditions that make other imaging techniques ineffective.
Researchers at NIST have developed a widely useful standard for breast cancer MRI, mimicking human tissue to test imaging systems. The phantom supports quantitative MRI and is used in clinical trials, enabling accurate images for diagnosis, staging, and treatment monitoring.
Researchers used MRI to study the effects of PKU on gray matter in the brain. They found evidence of abnormalities in individuals with early-treated PKU, particularly in posterior regions. The study's findings highlight the importance of maintaining dietary treatment throughout life to prevent irreversible damage.
A new study using MRI to examine pregnant women with short cervixes found that high cervical tissue mobility is associated with impending preterm birth. The researchers plan larger trials to confirm the role of this imaging biomarker in predicting preterm birth.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego have developed a new cell labeling probe using fluorine-19, which can be detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), allowing for the visualization of cell behavior. The addition of iron enhances the MRI signal, making it possible to track cells quickly and clearly.
Researchers developed a new imaging technique that uses tagged peptides to track gelatinase activity in stroke patients. This method may lead to better understanding of how to treat strokes and prevent brain damage. The study was published in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism.
Researchers have developed a synthetic nanoparticle that can simultaneously detect and treat atherosclerotic plaques, offering new hope for preventing deadly heart attacks and strokes. The nanoparticles use MRI to visualize plaque buildup and trigger a therapeutic response.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed a process to create hyperpolarized krypton gas for MRI scanning of the lungs, offering a clearer picture of lung disease. This technology uses clean energy combustion to retain the hyperpolarized state of krypton during preparation.
A new study using MRI found that adult earthquake survivors with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) had greater cortical thickness in certain brain regions and reduced volume in others compared to healthy survivors. Cortical thickness was positively correlated with PTSD severity, particularly in the left precuneus region.
The new CVIA journal published its second issue with a special focus on Electrophysiology. Key findings include strategies for preventing stroke in high-risk atrial fibrillation patients, catheter ablation as a cornerstone in AF management, and the role of multimodality imaging in substrate characterization.
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University have developed a new image analytics test that can reliably distinguish between patients who need only hormonal treatment and those who also need chemotherapy. The test uses MRI data to identify molecular changes in tissues, which can be analyzed quickly and cost-effectively.
Researchers used a 7T MRI scanner to visualize myocardial injury in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, detecting minute clefts that were previously impossible to see. The technology offers high-resolution imaging and could lead to more accurate diagnoses of heart diseases.
Researchers created a combined MRI and ultramicroscopy toolkit to study vessel growth in glioma models, providing better understanding of underlying mechanisms and potential novel targets for future drug development. The technique helped assess the effects of existing anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatments on tumour growth.