UMN: MRI machine

2023: Product Announcement

On May 31, 2023, the University of Minnesota (UMN) and Victoria University of Wellington announced the development of a fundamentally new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. We are talking about a relatively compact installation, which, if necessary, can be easily transported.

MRI technology is widely used in medicine, but, as noted, despite the importance of such studies, a significant part of the world population does not have access to them. In addition, MRI machines are expensive and require qualified specialists to operate and maintain them. The large size and weight make it difficult to deliver equipment to remote regions. The new project is designed to solve the listed problems.

University of Minnesota MRI tomograph

It is reported that the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) has allocated grants totaling more than $12 million to create a new type of MRI apparatus. An international team of specialists took part in the project. In addition to the two named universities, the University of São Paulo, Harvard University, Yale University and Columbia University were involved in the development of the tomograph.

The design of the device uses a specially designed magnet. The system is designed to conduct brain research in conditions of limited spaces and resources. Thus, patients in hard-to-reach and poor regions will be able to access high-quality clinical care. And this can save the lives of a huge number of people.

Portable MRI scanners of the future, such as ours, can help communities in remote areas with limited financial capacity to address health care disparities. Clinics will be able to conduct research to better understand the development and degeneration of the brain in various populations, project participants say.[1]

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