Research on MRI and what it can reveal. Covers restorative-sleep imaging, new MRI agents for cancer, prostate imaging, and dementia mapping.
Researchers have developed a new hyperpolarization technique for MRI scans using naturally occurring pyruvic acid, reducing the need for potentially toxic substances. This breakthrough improves imaging quality and diagnosis while minimizing health risks.
Group Health Research Institute received two PCORI awards to study the effectiveness of breast MRI compared to mammography for breast cancer surveillance. The institute also provides assistance to a new national data network, enhancing the nation's ability to conduct patient-centered comparative effectiveness research.
A new MRI technique has been developed to detect Fabry disease, a genetic condition that affects the heart, brain, and nerves. The T1 mapping test can identify microscopic changes in the heart muscle structure that are not visible on regular images, allowing for early detection and treatment.
The American College of Radiology has developed a safety checklist for pediatric digital radiography, aiming to standardize work processes and reduce reliance on memory. The checklist is designed to decrease the chance of medical errors and improve patient care in pediatric radiography.
Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed a new breast cancer screening technique using sodium MRI that produces five-times more accurate images than previous methods. The device aims to reduce false positives and unnecessary biopsies by scanning for sodium levels in the breast.
A new MRI technique has been developed with a spatial resolution of roughly 10 nanometers, significantly improving sensitivity. The team used a novel protocol and nanoscale metal constriction to overcome obstacles in applying classic pulsed magnetic resonance techniques.
Researchers at LSU will utilize the SuperMIC cluster for various projects, including discovery of new drugs and modeling coastal processes. The project aims to train the next generation of researchers in high-performance computing and prepare students for the future.
A study published in Radiology found that patients referred by physicians with financial interest in imaging equipment were more likely to receive negative findings on knee MRI exams. This suggests that financial incentives may drive overuse of high-tech imaging, contributing to escalating medical costs.
Scientists at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute have reported experimental evidence supporting the top-down theory of fullerene formation. The discovery could lead to better medical imaging contrast agents and cancer treatment methods, as fullerenes with trapped metal atoms show low side-effect risks.
Researchers link brain atrophy to cognitive decline in Type 2 diabetes, challenging previous assumptions. Brain atrophy is found to be the primary cause of cognitive impairment associated with T2DM, exceeding cerebrovascular lesions.
A new study published in Radiology found that whole-body MRI can accurately predict the risk of heart attack and stroke in diabetic patients. The study revealed that patients with detectable vascular changes on whole-body MRI faced a cumulative risk rate of 20% at three years, increasing to 35% at six years.
Researchers discovered that degeneration of the fornix, a structure carrying messages to and from the hippocampus, is a key predictor of future cognitive decline. Fornix variables were found to precede clinically relevant deterioration of cognitive function in cognitively normal elderly individuals.
Studies find radiation therapy for DCIS does not increase cardiovascular disease risk, while MRI scans may be unnecessary. Additionally, most women have inaccurate perceptions of their personal breast cancer risk, sparking the need for better communication between patients and doctors.
A new study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found that MRI use in women with early breast cancer did not reduce local recurrence or contralateral breast cancer rates. The study, which looked at over 2,300 patients, suggests that the benefits of MRI may be limited to other patient groups.
Rice University scientists have developed bismuth-filled nanotubes as a contrast agent for CT scans, producing brighter images than common iodine-based agents. The nanotube capsules are small enough to diffuse into cells and aggregate to produce high-contrast images.
Researchers will validate new MRI techniques and biomarkers to identify early stages of osteoarthritis and test therapies for prevention. The study aims to develop biomarkers that reflect joint environment changes predictive of arthritis development.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine advocate for a more individualized approach to diagnosing obesity, considering factors beyond Body Mass Index (BMI). This shift could help identify healthier obese individuals and prevent unnecessary medical interventions.
A team of researchers led by WPI's Gregory Fischer will test a new minimally invasive approach to treating brain tumors using a robot designed to work within an MRI scanner. The system promises to accurately destroy malignant tissue while leaving surrounding tissue unaffected, offering a significant improvement over current treatments.
Researchers have demonstrated a method to create polarization order from random fluctuations, enabling enhanced sensitivity in nanometer-scale magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and potentially solid-state quantum computers. This achievement has the potential to revolutionize nano- and atomic-scale imaging techniques.
HZDR physicists offer new explanation for magnetic field-induced turbulences within 'dead zones,' enabling compact object formation. This breakthrough sheds light on the role of magnetic fields in planetary system formation.
A study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found a significant increase in preoperative breast MRI use among older women with breast cancer, leading to more aggressive surgical treatment. Women who received an MRI were more likely to undergo bilateral mastectomy and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy.
Researchers developed a new test to identify early-onset dementia in individuals aged 40-65 using face recognition tests, distinguishing between name and facial recognition. The study found significant differences in brain tissue loss between those with and without dementia, providing valuable insights into cognitive impairment.
A new technique uses radio waves to magnetically label glucose in the body, detecting bright images on MRI scans of mice, enabling a cheaper and safer alternative to existing methods. The method could enable patients to be scanned in local hospitals without radiation risks.
A study of contaminated steroid injections found that even asymptomatic patients can have fungal infections. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect infection, especially in those who received highly contaminated injections.
A study found that MRI screening at the injection site can detect fungal spinal and paraspinal infections earlier, allowing for timely medical and surgical treatment. The researchers recommend obtaining contrast-enhanced MRI of the injection site in patients with persistent back pain.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center used MRI to measure aortic atherosclerosis and found that thicker walls were associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks. A smaller plaque buildup was linked to increased risk of peripheral vascular occlusion, stroke, and abdominal aortic aneurysms.
A study of over 2,000 adults found that increased abdominal aortic wall thickness and plaque buildup are associated with future cardiovascular events. MRI measurements can help identify individuals at risk of these events.
Researchers developed a new MRI technique that analyzes electro-magnetic waves for detecting multiple sclerosis changes in fine detail. This method provides a more powerful tool for evaluating new treatments and could lead to smaller studies.
A study published in Radiology found that frequent heading in soccer is associated with white matter microstructural changes and cognitive impairments, similar to those seen in traumatic brain injury patients. Players who headed the ball over 1,800 times per year showed poorer memory scores.
Researchers found that using stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in an Emergency Department observation unit reduced hospital readmissions, coronary revascularization procedures, and the need for additional cardiac testing. This approach also helped reduce care costs by $2,100 per patient per year.
Research using MRI scans has identified early changes in the hearts of children who have undergone chemotherapy, allowing for potential preventative therapy. The study used T1 mapping to detect fibrosis and found a correlation with exercise capacity and cumulative dose of anthracyclines.
Scientists at ICFO have developed a method to measure weak forces with sensitivity 50 times higher than previous methods, enabling magnetic resonance imaging of individual molecules. This breakthrough could lead to significant advances in medical imaging and diagnostics.
A new MRI study by Brown University researchers reveals that exclusive breastfeeding for at least three months enhances brain development in infants, particularly in areas related to language and emotional function. The study found a 20-30% increase in white matter growth in breastfed babies compared to formula-fed babies.
A new technique developed by Dr. Fred Helmstetter and his research group studies the brain's reaction to anticipated pain, focusing on the amygdala's role in emotional learning and behavior. The study uses a combination of MRI and MEG to map amygdala activity over time, providing new insights into anxiety disorders and psychopathology.
A study found no correlation between interleukin 17F levels and treatment response to interferon beta-1b therapy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The study concludes that using immune-based biomarker signatures may help identify response markers.
Researchers have developed new superresolution and segmentation methods for magnetic resonance images to analyze structural brain differences in psychotic patients and their healthy relatives. These methods improve the quality of images and enable automatic calculations of desired sizes, leading to a better understanding of psychosis.
Researchers from PTB and international partners have created superconducting sensors to detect the magnetic moments of helium-3 atoms with extreme sensitivity. This has allowed them to investigate the unique quantum liquid of helium-3 in detail, enabling the detection and investigation of excitations that behave like Majorana fermions.
A new study found that metal-on-metal hip implants can cause inflammation of the joint lining (synovitis) in asymptomatic patients, with MRI scans identifying this inflammation. The study suggests that symptoms alone are insufficient to determine an implant's health and recommends using imaging, such as MRI, to predict potential damage.
A large-scale study found that minimally invasive MRI autopsies accurately determined the cause of death for 92% of fetuses and babies younger than one year. However, accuracy decreased for children aged 1-16 years, with only half of cases agreeing on cause of death. The study suggests that MRI may not detect infections in this age group.
Researchers have developed a new dye that surpasses current contrast agents in terms of image quality and duration, opening up possibilities for live-cell filming and reduced costs. The breakthrough could lead to expanded use of imaging technology in developing countries, where access to medical equipment is limited.
Researchers at NYU have created a novel way to enhance MRI by reducing interference from large macromolecules that can obscure images. This method has the potential to improve MRI for cartilage as well as brain tissue, allowing for more accurate diagnoses.
A new study found that MRI atrophy in the thalamus is a strong predictor of multiple sclerosis (MS) development and progression. Thalamic atrophy was associated with increased risk of conversion to clinically definite MS, outperforming traditional methods for evaluating patients at risk.
Recent studies have shown that image-guided brachytherapy can deliver high doses of radiotherapy to tumours while sparing surrounding organs, leading to effective treatment with fewer side-effects. The studies also found a clear dose response relationship between radiation dose and vaginal morbidity.
A new study shows that dual energy CT is an effective way to evaluate emergency department patients with possible ACL tears. The imaging technique accurately identified ACL tears in 94% of cases, making it a promising alternative to MRI.
Researchers used MRI to measure endothelial sheer stress (ESS) in atherosclerotic plaques, identifying high-risk plaques prone to disruption. The study found that low ESS was associated with unstable plaques, highlighting the importance of hemodynamics in atherosclerosis progression.
A new study found that neuroimaging data can predict the likelihood of reoffending following prison release. Inmates with lower anterior cingulate cortex activity were twice as likely to reoffend compared to those with higher activity.
Research suggests that migraines are related to brain abnormalities present at birth and others that develop over time. Cortical thickness and surface area abnormalities were found in regions related to pain processing, with minimal overlap between the two types of abnormalities.
A Canadian study found that more than half of lower-back MRIs ordered at two hospitals were either inappropriate or of questionable value for patients. Family doctors were more likely to order these tests compared to specialists, highlighting the need for better education on when to use MRI scans.
Researchers have found that atrophy of the thalamus is a key predictor of clinically definite multiple sclerosis (MS) in patients. Thalamic atrophy can help identify patients at risk for developing MS, allowing clinicians to diagnose earlier and monitor disease progression.
A new study found that MRI is highly sensitive and specific for identifying tissue damage in metal-on-metal hip replacement patients. Early detection allows for timely revision surgery, decreasing the risk of further tissue damage and pain.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed a new MRI method that can differentiate white matter from gray matter in the brain in about 12 seconds. The technology uses unique fingerprinting to identify tissues and diseases, promising faster and cheaper scans with more accurate diagnoses.
Heavy drinkers show greater and faster acetate uptake and metabolism in the brain compared to light drinkers. Acetate can serve as an alternative energy source, potentially alleviating withdrawal symptoms during detoxification.
Researchers at UTHealth found CCSVI occurs at a low rate in people with multiple sclerosis and non-MS volunteers. The study suggests CCSVI is unlikely to be the cause of MS or contribute to disease worsening.
A new study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers has developed a simple bedside test that can determine whether severe dizziness is caused by a stroke or something benign. The portable device uses eye movement tests to diagnose strokes with 100% accuracy, promising to prevent misdiagnosis and save lives.
Researchers have developed a new focal laser ablation treatment that uses precisely targeted heat to burn away cancerous cells in the prostate. The approach has shown promising safety results and can be performed without significant side effects.
A $3 million NIH grant will fund a two-year study investigating the short and long-term consequences of soccer heading on the brain. The researchers, led by Dr. Michael Lipton, will assess the relationship between heading frequency and structural and cognitive measures using advanced MRI technology and cognitive tests.
Researchers create nanoscale MRI using tiny defects in diamonds, enabling detailed visualization of molecules. The technology could revolutionize diagnoses by examining damage on DNA strands or identifying cancer cells with unprecedented resolution.
Researchers at ICFO developed a technique to scan individual cells using artificial atoms, which can detect weak magnetic fields generated by biological molecules. This breakthrough enables non-invasive diagnosis and better understanding of intracellular processes.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that subcortical damage during awake craniotomy for brain tumor surgery can lead to worsening neurological deficits. The researchers analyzed data from 241 patients and found that 36 developed new neurological abnormalities while the surgeon was operating in the subcortex.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have created a way to monitor the survival of transplanted cells using nanoscale pH sensors and MRI machines. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize cell replacement therapies for conditions like liver failure and type 1 diabetes by providing reliable means of detecting dead cells.