If you’ve ever broken a bone, you’ve probably had an X-ray taken to help your doctor identify exactly where the break is. This noninvasive peek inside the body allows doctors to treat problems more effectively, without causing you further discomfort or pain. Similarly, magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) can give us a noninvasive look inside the body, only without the use of radiation.
What if there was a way to get an even closer look into some of our bodies’ smallest, and sometimes deadliest, problems? Researchers at Leiden University’s Institute of Physics in the Netherlands asked that question, and they found the answer – nanoscale MRI. Nano as a prefix typically means “very small,” or as a use for measure: one-billionth. To get to that level and be able to see the building blocks of cells, could be infinitely useful.
The researchers, PhD students Jelmer T. Wagenaar and Arthur de Haan, developed a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) microscope for use in an MRI that allows for the more detailed view. Nanoscale MRI is 1,000 times more sensitive than the technology in current MRI machines, which means it would be possible to look at that broken bone, or say even an unexpected neurological disorder such as Alzheimer’s disease, at a molecular level.
Better diagnostic imaging means your doctor has a better chance at diagnosing and treating these diseases from early on. It’s exciting to think about how this technology will revolutionize the healthcare industry in the coming years. Some diseases don’t show up in conventional imaging until they grow in size, so the ability to scan at a smaller level is groundbreaking, especially for those who are known to be more at risk for certain diseases.
Here at Independent Imaging, our skilled radiologists provide the most advanced imaging technology in Palm Beach County, Florida, and look forward to introducing nanoscale MRIs as they become available. To learn more about up-and-coming imaging technology, or to schedule an appointment for diagnostic imaging, such as an MRI, CT/PET scan, or ultrasound, call (561) 795-5558 today. We offer three locations in Wellington, Belle Glade, and Lake Worth, with extended hours and same-day appointments available for your convenience.
