Utilizing nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, German researchers have developed a magnet that could lead to a pocket-sized MRI machine. This technology could revolutionize medical testing and research in other scientific fields.
Magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) machines have become
commonplace in the medical industry. Doctors use them to diagnose
life-threatening conditions, such as brain tumors and
multiple sclerosis.
Despite their usefulness, MRI machines are
inefficient. They are huge—often filling an entire room—and incredibly expensive. Scientists at RWTH Aachen University in Germany have created a pocket-sized device that utilizes nuclear
magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, the
technology behind MRI machines.
The new
magnet is about the size of a standard D battery and weighs just over 1 pound.
Similarly sized magnets have been manufactured in the past, but, unlike others,
the new NMR device is capable of
making measurements as accurate as those made by much larger models.
A major
problem with small magnets is inconsistency; the smaller magnets are, the more
imperfections they have. These imperfections are comparable to electronic noise
and can impair detection. The goal of the German scientists was to create the
smallest but most homogenous magnet possible. According to an article
in Technology Review,
Frederico Casanova, who headed the project, said, "The important thing we
did is to correct the inhomogeneity that comes from imperfections in the
magnet."
The
new magnet works like a miniature MRI machine (source: Frederico Casanova, RWTH Aachen University).
In their
creation of the device, the scientists made modifications to the cylindrical Halbach array, a common design for magnets. Working
with samarium cobalt, they placed movable rectangular pieces into the
cylindrical base. They then used a computer to calculate the best positions for
these pieces in order to eliminate inconsistencies.
With this
current design, the magnet’s strength is only 0.7 tesla (a measurement of
magnetic flux density). The researchers believe the design could be slightly
modified, however, to generate 1.7 tesla. They hope to use other metals to
produce an even stronger magnet.
Although
massive MRI machines, which provide
superb detail, are unlikely to become obsolete, tiny NMR devices could be
incredibly useful in many fields. For example, doctors could use them in the
office to test for local conditions like blood clots. Additionally,
archaeologists and others might use these small machines to test samples in the
field.
Have you
had unpleasant or expensive MRI experiences? Are you in
a field that might benefit from portable devices? Let us know below in the
comments section!
Applications of MRIPosted on: 08-05-10 | By: Robert ButterfieldWhat is the expected range ( depth of penetration ) in human tissue? Does resolution degrade with depth of measurement (expected, just how rapidly does it degrade).
Have they actually prototyped an MRI device with this magnet?
Thanks
Who is this scientist?Posted on: 06-30-10 | By: ReenaCan we get the contact information of this scientist.
reenamurthy@yahoo.com
Space AvailablePosted on: 06-25-10 | By: AnonymousWhat are hospitals going to do with all those humongous MRI centers they all built not so long ago?!
Seriously, this will probably make imaging technology available in remote, and possibly, even third world areas. Great!
NMR/MRIPosted on: 06-25-10 | By: L MayMRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) requires that the object to be imaged be inside of the very uniform internal field of a magnet but there are many important scientific and potentially medical measurements that could be made with a small NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) magnet that only needs a small sample to asses the nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. This article describes a magnet that might be suitable for such NMR spectroscopy measurements in the field for a dramatically lower cost and possibly ease of handling than with a large cryogenic magnet. It would be great if they manage to achieve the needed stable uniformity of field inside of this handy sized magnet as that would indeed prove very useful.
PerfectPosted on: 06-24-10 | By: Sam L.I was jammed to the side of a large MRI for 50 minutes as we took images of a torn bicep tendon. It seems that this device should be perfect for small areas on extremities. Maybe we'll yet see Dr. McCoy's Star Trek diagnostic tools.
Smaller is better?Posted on: 06-24-10 | By: James G.This could hold promise in the Aeerospace segment, and even outerspace exploration. Smaller truly opens up a new world of possibility in the MRI realm!
A user comment on this articlePosted on: 06-24-10 | By: AnonymousAwesome !
Imagine how many patients could be diagnosed correctly right away ....
Hope this gets soon into production
