Scientists from the United States and Canada have made a breakthrough in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, using advanced techniques to observe molecular-level changes in the human body. This innovation significantly enhances the speed and accuracy of MRI scans, offering the potential for earlier and more precise detection of diseases like cancer. The findings were recently published in the journal *Science*.
The research involves manipulating the rotation of molecules to improve scanning efficiency. This allows for faster analysis of drug effectiveness and more accurate estimation of tumor growth rates at the molecular level, ultimately benefiting patient care and medical diagnostics.
Canadian researchers focused on using parahydrogen—a form of hydrogen used as fuel in space shuttles—to transfer its magnetic properties to other molecules. This method boosted the sensitivity of MRI scans by approximately 1,000 times. What once took 90 days to analyze using traditional methods can now be completed in just a few seconds, revolutionizing the way biological data is processed.
Meanwhile, the U.S. team enhanced the signal strength by adjusting the spin of atomic nuclei. This created a significant imbalance among the molecules, turning them into stronger magnets that produce clearer and more detailed images. The new technique can generate signals thousands or even tens of thousands of times stronger than those from conventional MRI scans, opening up new possibilities for medical imaging.
This advancement marks a major step forward in non-invasive medical diagnostics, promising faster, more accurate, and more informative scans for a wide range of health conditions. As this technology continues to develop, it could transform how doctors detect and treat diseases at the earliest stages.