The French Atomic Energy Commission recently unveiled the world’s most powerful MRI scanner. Developed by a team of researchers, this scanner promises precision in probing the human brain and its various disabilities.
Located near Paris, this scanner has already welcomed around 20 healthy volunteers for imaging studies. What sets this scanner apart is its impressive 11.7 tesla magnetic field, which far outperforms traditional hospital MRI machines.
Alexandre Vignaud, a physicist involved in the project, expressed amazement at the unparalleled level of clarity captured by the scanner, which has been named Iseult.
Encased in a five-meter cylinder, the scanner contains a 132-ton magnet powered by a 1,500-amp coil, the culmination of two decades of collaboration between French and German engineers. It is equipped with a three-foot object opening that facilitates access while maintaining optimal viewing conditions.
In addition to its imaging capabilities, the scanner has the potential to improve our understanding and treatment of neurological disorders.
Also Read
- Taiwan hit by strongest earthquake in 25 years, buildings damaged
- Govt issues warning over USB charger scam: Here’s how to stay safe
Scientists hope to unravel the complex mechanisms underlying diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression and schizophrenia. The views obtained from the scanner could provide information about the structure and function of the brain.
In addition, the scanner’s high resolution can offer new insight into the distribution of drugs in the brain. For example, studying the distribution of lithium, a commonly used drug for bipolar disorder, could lead to more personalized treatment strategies and better patient outcomes.
Although immediate clinical applications of this scanner are still a long way off, its impact holds promise for future advances in medicine.
