The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) has unveiled a series of human brain images captured by the world's most powerful using the Biggest MRI machine
How Does an Biggest MRI Work?
MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, helps us see inside our bodies by using magnets to attract and align the water molecules in our tissues.
When these molecules align, they create a signal that can be measured, allowing us to create detailed images of our internal organs and structures
MRI scanners currently available in hospitals, which operate at lower magnetic field strengths of 1.5 or 3 T.
Why Increase the Magnetic Field ?
The images obtained boast an impressive 0.2 mm in-plane resolution and 1 mm slice thickness, capturing a volume equivalent to a few thousand neurons.
This level of detail is unprecedented and opens up new avenues for exploring the brain's mechanisms, including how mental representations are encoded and the neuronal signatures associated with consciousness
Side Effects of World Biggest MRI machine?
Having a stronger magnetic field means it's more concentrated.
The teams needed permission from health authorities to make sure it's safe.
They studied 20 healthy volunteers to check for any side effects.
It only takes 4 minutes, which is good for hospitals.
Medical Applications?
The Iseult MRI provides detailed information crucial for medical research.
It helps in early detection of diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
It can reveal iron concentrations, aiding in Parkinson’s diagnosis.
The MRI enhances detection of weak signals from medications like lithium.
This helps understand and treat conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Deploying such MRIs in hospitals is challenging due to complexity and cost.
The CEA sees Iseult as a research tool for now, focusing on healthy patients.
Pathological patients may access it in the future.
The CEA aims to advance superconducting magnets for future medical innovations.
Key Figures of worldBiggest MRI Machine
Magnetic field: 11.7 Tesla (1.5 and 3 T for MRI machines in hospitals)
MRI Specs: 132 tonnes, 5 meters long, 5 meters in diameter182 kilometers of superconducting wires1,500 amperes flowing in the coil
Magnet: cooled to -271.35 °C using 7,500 liters of liquid helium90 cm central bore5 hours for the current ramp-up
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