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UNM scientists discover how nanoparticles of toxic metal used in MRI scans infiltrate human tissue

Researchers have found that oxalic acid can generate nanoparticles of the toxic metal gadolinium in human tissues, which has been associated with serious health problems such as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. This discovery may lead to a possible way to mitigate some of the risks associated with MRI scans.

Gd-induced oxygen vacancy activates lattice oxygen oxidation for water electrolysis

Researchers at Tohoku University found that incorporating gadolinium into iron-doped nickel oxide markedly enhances oxygen evolution reaction activity. Gd-doping reduces theoretical overpotentials and demonstrates favorable kinematics, leading to remarkable long-term stability and robust performance in water electrolysis.

Troubling discovery

Researchers found that gadolinium nanoparticles from MRI contrast agents can infiltrate kidney cells, causing severe side effects like nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. The study used electron microscopy to detect tiny deposits of gadolinium in the kidneys of people who had been injected with contrast agents prior to their MRIs.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Rice refines analysis of MRI contrast agents

A Rice-led team developed molecular simulations that reveal distinct differences in how inner and outer shells of water molecules around gadolinium respond to thermal excitation. Temperature affects the self-diffusivity of molecules, influencing relaxation rates in MRI scans.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 17, 2022

Myocardial strain parameters on MRI in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

A multicenter study found that left ventricular global longitudinal strain is a significant independent predictor of all-cause mortality and/or heart-failure hospitalization in patients with ischemic or nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. The study used cardiac MRI feature tracking to calculate six myocardial strain parameters.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 9, 2022

Modern simulations could improve MRIs

Researchers at Rice University have refined models to analyze gadolinium-based contrast agents, which are used in 40% of MRIs worldwide. The team's goal is to design better and more customizable contrast agents that improve image quality while minimizing risks.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2021

New contrast agent could make MRIs safer

Researchers at MGH develop a new, possibly safer contrast agent for MRI exams using a manganese-based compound that provides comparable tumor contrast enhancement to state-of-the-art gadolinium-based agents. The new agent is designed to be more quickly and thoroughly cleared from the body, reducing concerns about long-term safety.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalInvestigative Radiology·DateAug 15, 2019

Two-in-one contrast agent for medical imaging

A Belgian team developed a two-in-one contrast agent for medical imaging, combining MRI and photoacoustic imaging techniques. The bimodal probe enhances sensitivity while minimizing risks for patients.

SourceWiley·JournalEuropean Journal of Inorganic Chemistry·DateAug 8, 2019

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

Better contrast agents based on nanoparticles

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.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalChemical Communications·DateAug 3, 2016

Safer, faster heart scans in view

Researchers at University of Oxford have developed a new technique that uses T1 mapping to create pixel-by-pixel maps of the heart without injections, improving detail and reducing subjectivity. This technology has the potential to help diagnose heart conditions in patients with severe kidney failure.

Ultrafast uncoupled magnetism in atoms

Researchers at Uppsala University have successfully broken the strong magnetic coupling between spin moments in an atom, enabling ultrafast manipulation of magnetic materials. This breakthrough opens up new opportunities for data storage and computing applications.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 2015