Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Main article: Radiology (radiation diagnostics)

MRI is a method of examining the internal structure of the body that allows you to see soft tissue well, while X-rays known to everyone are not strong in this and are more suitable for studying bones.

In MRI, the body is not exposed to harmful ionizing radiation, but is placed in an alternating magnetic field. Although lying in the MR-tomograph pipe is not particularly pleasant, in 2019 studies show that this is not at all harmful, but doctors can get a lot of useful information about the structure and work of internal organs.

Tomograph incidents

Main article: Tomograph incidents

Mobile tomographs

Main article: Mobile tomographs

Repair of tomographs

Main article: Repair of tomographs

2024

The first MRI scanner is presented, which needs only 0.7 liters of helium, and not 1500 as others

On February 28, 2024, Siemens Healthineers announced the Magnetom Flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, which uses virtually no helium. Its volume is only 0.7 liters against approximately 1500 liters for traditional installations of a comparable class. Read more here.

Russia has developed a technology for obtaining a clear image of the lungs on MRI

At the end of January 2024, Russian researchers from the International Tomographic Center (ITC) of the SB RAS announced the development of a new lung imaging technology through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is expected that the solution will simplify and reduce the cost of diagnosing various diseases. Read more here.

2023

A full-body MRI scanner has been released to detect cancer early. One procedure costs $2,500

In early November 2023, it became known that the California startup Prenuvo, which offers magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the whole body, received thousands of applications for its service. The procedure, which is said to provide very high diagnostic accuracy, costs $2,500. Read more here.

The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation forbade hospitals to do MRI without referral

The Supreme Court (Supreme Court) of Russia forbade citizens to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without the consent of a doctor. The relevant court decision became known in early October 2023.

According to the Agency for Legal and Judicial Information (RAPSI), a Russian who applied to the highest court suffers from back pain. But in the clinic indicated in the direction of the attending physician, it was necessary to wait for the study. He went to a private clinic to make it faster. But since there was another medical organization in the direction, he had to pay for a doctor's appointment again in order to get a referral for diagnosis and, finally, an MRI scan.

RF Armed Forces banned MRI without coordination with a doctor

The patient filed an administrative lawsuit with the Supreme Court, in which he challenged paragraph 14 of the rules for conducting X-ray examinations, approved by order of the Ministry of Health of Russia dated 09.06.2020 No. 560n, because this rule "prevents competition in the field of paid medicine, breeds red tape and does not give him the right to choose."

For an unknown reason, it is impossible to provide paid medical services without specifying the name of the clinic. We come to the conclusion that the patient irrationally uses his time to coordinate the medical institution with the attending physician. Treatment is eventually delayed. This paragraph of the rules "migrated" from free medicine, but my principal believes that it is wrong to extend them to paid medicine, - quotes the representative of the plaintiff Maria Sergeyeva RAPSI.

As the representative of the Ministry of Health Alexander Shustov noted, the new rules do not restrict the freedom of patients when choosing a place for MRI. Shustov recalled that MRI has a number of contraindications and can harm health.

In practice at the federal level, there are a lot of cases when ordinary "self-examinations" harm the patient's health, and there are many such cases, "he explained.[1]

Instead of poisonous gadolinium. Fresenius unveils MRI contrast agent substitute

On August 8, 2023, Fresenius Kabi announced the release of Gadobutrol, a universal contrast agent substitute for Gadavist, which is used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures. Read more here.

New MRI machine creates images with 64 million times greater clarity

On April 17, 2023, American researchers at Duke University (DU) announced the development of a new technology for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can increase the clarity of brain images by millions of times compared to conventional installations. Read more here.

Entered the market in the world's first MRI machine, scanning the whole body in 30 minutes

On June 1, 2023, American startup Ezra specializing in creating solutions AI for the sphere, health care he announced the development of Ezra Flash technology for the implementation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the whole body in 30 minutes. More. here

Cheap compact brain MRI machine unveiled

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. Read more here.

Siberia has developed a new way to diagnose osteomyelitis using MRI

The Siberian State Medical University (SibGMU) has developed a new way to diagnose osteomyelitis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The press service of the university told about this on February 20, 2023. Read more here.

2022

MRI sensor created that sees light in the depths of the brain

In late December 2022, using a new specialized magnetic resonance imaging sensor, MIT researchers showed that they could detect light deep in tissues such as the brain. Read more here.

Russia has developed a method for controlling the quality of medical tomographs using a neural network

Specialists of the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine, together with mathematicians of Moscow State University, have developed a method for monitoring the quality of medical tomographs, which will allow timely detection of malfunctions of MRI devices in automatic mode. It is based on machine learning technology. Read more here.

Philips has released an MRI scanner with an AI system. It will become easier for oncologists to find dangerous tumors

At the end of October 2022 Philips , she announced the launch MRCAT of artificial intelligence-enabled radiotherapy. The device allows the use of MRI as the main imaging method without the need for use by oncologists. computed tomography More. here

MRI machine created that examines twice as fast as others

On September 22, 2022, the University of East Anglia (UEA) introduced the Kat-ARC system, which allows diagnosing patients with heart failure twice as quickly. The technology uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to create detailed 4D images of the heart. But unlike standard MRI, which can take up to 20 minutes or more, when using a new development, MRI scans take no more than eight minutes, the developers say. Read more here.

The launch of serial production of Russian MRI scanners was estimated at 4.5 billion rubles

As it became known in March 2022, Russian scientists are creating new prototypes of magnetic resonance tomographs for high-precision medical diagnostics based on a unique domestic development. They have high competitive potential, and their production can solve the problem of import substitution in the field of MRI. Read more here.

2021

A new MRI device has been released, which is several times smaller and cheaper than those used now

In mid-December 2021, the University of Hong Kong released a more compact and affordable magnetic resonance imaging system compared to other solutions on the market. The novelty uses a much smaller magnetic field and does not require shielding, but at the same time is able to diagnose brain diseases in patients. The new device has already begun to be used in clinical practice in one of the clinics in Hong Kong. Read more here.

MRI system released to assess muscle status

On December 7, 2021, the Swedish company Amra Medical announced the launch of the Amra Mass Scan system, designed to assess the state of muscles through magnetic resonance imaging. Read more here.

MRI scanner remote monitoring and control system is being tested in Moscow

Specialists of the Scientific and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Department of Health and the Morozov Children's City Clinical Hospital initiated a pilot project for remote communication with an MR tomograph, during which the first patient scan session was conducted online with remote support. Read more here.

Announcement of the world's smallest MRI scanner

In mid-July 2021, Huami, best known for the Amazfit smartwatch brand, unveiled the world's new, smallest MRI scanner. According to Huami developers, this device will be the world's first portable MRI scanner. Read more here.

New MRI method reveals vascular problems that often cause dementia

At the end of May 2021, researchers at the University of Kentucky (UK) and the University of Southern California ( USA ) showed a new non-invasive MRI neuroimaging method, which allows early detection of blood-brain barrier dysfunction (BBB) associated with cerebral microangiopathy. This disease is the most common cause of vascular cognitive impairment, which results in a large proportion of cases developing dementia. BBB dysfunction represents a promising early marker of cerebral microangiopathy, as it is BBB that regulates a number of important metabolic functions, including the elimination of toxic substances from the brain.

New MRI method reveals vascular problems that often cause dementia

Far-advanced BBB dysfunction can be detected through a variety of neuroimaging techniques, such as PAT dynamic contrast MRI. However, these methods are invasive and cannot detect abnormalities in the early stages. The researchers introduced a new, non-invasive MRI technique called diffusion-prepared arterial spin labeling (blood DP-ASL). The new method reveals even minimal BBB dysfunction associated with a change in water exchange rate.

The results of the study showed that low levels of amyloid beta in the cerebrospinal fluid were associated with low rates of BBB water exchange estimated by the DP-ASL method. Excess accumulation of amyloid beta in the brain is considered a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, and is also seen in many cases of cerebral microangiopathy. The results of the study are consistent with theories suggesting that insufficient amyloid beta output through the BBB may impair BBB function, which in turn may exacerbate amyloid beta accumulation in the brain and developing dementia.^[2]

Quantum sensor will improve the accuracy of measuring magnetic fields when examining the brain

On April 5, 2021, it became known that physicists from MIPT and Terra Quantum, together with colleagues from the USA and Switzerland, developed an algorithm that allows measurements to be made using artificial multi-level atoms. Such a quantum sensor allows you to get the necessary accuracy when measuring magnetic fields. It will also find application in the study of the brain and in the study of deep space.

The video below shows a tomography of the brain.

Moreover, a system of several quantum magnetometers can work as an ultra-sensitive spatial detector. Such devices are needed to do tomography for patients, analyze ore deposits, study the structure of biomolecules and inorganic materials. Read more here.

Announcement of the system for 3D reconstruction of injuries by CT and MRI images

In late March 2021, SFR Medical providing Great Britain police with medical evidence reports, it announced the creation of a scalable solution for three-dimensional reconstructions of injuries. More. here

Detection of child malformations in utero via MRI

In mid-March 2021, researchers demonstrated that MRI can more accurately detect and detect malformations of the head, neck, chest, abdomen and spine of the fetus than traditional methods of examining children in the womb. Read more here.

2020

Doctors began seeing the baby's heart in the womb in 4D through a new MRI technique

At the end of October 2020, researchers from King's College London presented a new MRI-based examination technique that will allow clinicians to see the heart of an unborn child in 4D format. Specially developed mathematical models of motion correction eliminate the problems that doctors face when conducting a traditional ultrasound of large vessels and the heart of the fetus. Read more here.

Doctors start using portable MRI brain scanner

In mid-September 2020, doctors began using a portable MRI brain scanner developed by Hyperfine. The hospital-based system identifies specific brain lesions in 29 of 30 patients with symptoms of stroke and other neurological disorders admitted to the Yale New Haven Hospital intensive care unit. Read more here.

Polarean MRI Gas Production System Announcement

In mid-September 2020, Polarean Imaging introduced equipment for the production of hyperpolarized gas, which amplifies the MRI signal 100,000 times. The technology should help doctors diagnose respiratory diseases faster and more accurately, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here.

Canon releases software to speed up MRI scans

In mid-June 2020, Canon Medical Systems released the Compressed Speeder software, which developers say speeds up MRI scans and serves more patients. The technology has already found use in Vantage Korean 1.5T scanners. Read more here.

2019

ESCS avoids unnecessary contrast in MRI

In late May 2019, 3D radiology specialists used a computer-aided design (CAD) system to assess whether patients with multiple sclerosis should be injected with contrast agent in brain MRI scans. Read more here.

Denis Manturov: Rostec is developing a Russian MR tomograph

The head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Manturov on May 13, 2019 announced a project for the development of a domestic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). As he noted, the project is being implemented by the Rostec state corporation.

According to Manturov, as of May 2019, 23.5 thousand items of medical devices are produced in Russia.

If we are talking about radiological equipment, we not only cover the needs within the market, but also export our products. These are our couvezes, these are equipment for artificial ventilation of the lungs, anesthesia devices and many other areas. The only place we are still behind is CT scans and MRI scans. It is planned to develop, and my colleagues from Rostec and I are actively engaged in magnetic resonance imaging, the minister said.

At the time of publication, Rostec Group of Companies was unable to provide details of the project.^[3]

Virus applied to MRI images of cancer tumors created

In early April 2019, Israeli researchers created a virus applied to MRI images of tumor images to draw attention to serious safety issues of medical equipment.

The malware they created shows how easy it is for attackers to automatically add realistic malignancies to CT or MRI images. In addition, the virus can find and remove images of real tumors. Such interventions result in misdiagnosis and denial of timely care.

Israeli researchers create virus applied to MRI images of tumors to draw attention to serious safety issues of medical equipment

Scientists from the Cybersecurity Research Center of Ben-Gurion University in Israel conducted a blind study with real CT images of the lungs. Three qualified radiologists failed to distinguish 70 changed images from ordinary ones: if the virus added a tumor to the picture, specialists diagnosed cancer in 99% of cases, if the virus removed the real tumor, in 94% of cases radiologists considered these patients healthy. Even after radiologists were told of malware intervention and provided with a second set of 20 images, half of which were also changed, experts continued to insist on an erroneous diagnosis 60% of the time. In addition, the virus managed to deceive a lung cancer program, which radiologists often use to confirm diagnoses.

The study focused only on detecting lung cancer, but scientists warn that anything - brain tumors, heart disease, blood clots on coronarography, spinal injuries, bone fractures - could be targeted. At the same time, attackers can easily inject a virus into the hospital network due to vulnerabilities in the protection system. Ideally, hospitals should provide end-to-end encryption on the PACS network and digitally sign all images.^[4]

2018: MRI reveals early brain damage from cocaine use

On April 25, 2018, the results of a clinical study were published, according to which MRI scans using a diffusion tensor imaging technique (DTI) are able to detect microstructural changes in the white matter of the brain in people who use cocaine. Read more here.

2017

Transforming MRI machines for children's hospitals

In November 2017, it was reported that industrial designer Doug Dietz, together with his colleagues from GE Healthcare, implemented a project to comprehensively transform devices for CT, MRI and PET scans specifically for 27 children's hospitals in the United States. Through the efforts of GE Healthcare workers, the devices were stylized as spaceships, pirate islands and other favorite places for babies. According to GE Healthcare estimates, the implementation of this idea cost the company about $50 thousand.^[5]

GE Healthcare designer turns MRI machine for kids into pirate island

The transformation affected not only the appearance of the structures, but also the creation of the correct atmosphere. For example, before the PET scan, which takes 45 minutes, experts tell the child a mini-story that he will get on a spacecraft whose engines work very loudly. These introductory words and the favorable appearance of the apparatus significantly soothe children.

We used children's imagination to our advantage, "said Kathleen Kapsin, director of radiology at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. - Instead of going for CT scans, you go to pirate island. We even have a monkey on a swing to play with.

GE Healthcare has developed separate hospital-specific topics. For example, for a children's clinic in San Francisco, designers designed a cable car near the device. And in other medical centers, children are trying to prepare for scanning in advance, giving them thematic coloring the day before the start of the procedure.

Compressed sensing technology to accelerate MRI

In October 2017, the German medical device manufacturer Siemens Healthineers acquired a license to use compressed sensing technology, which significantly reduces the patient's stay in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner - from 45 to several minutes or even seconds - without compromising the quality of research. The new development was created and patented at Rice University in Texas (USA).

Thanks to compressed sensing technology, the time it takes to scan the heart in an MRI machine is only 25 seconds. In this case, the patient does not need to hold his breath or somehow change it differently in order to get accurate results.

Siemens Healthineers Applies Technology to Speed Up MRI Multiple Times

In other MRI equipment equipped with traditional methods of accelerating studies, patients must lie motionless for four minutes or longer, hold their breath 7 to 12 times during one cardiovascular pathology assessment procedure.

According to the developers, the compressed sensing technique can change the processes of magnetic resonance imaging of the abdominal cavity, which is very important for some groups of patients.

For example, children and people with lung problems should not have abdominal MRI scans  due to their inability to hold their breath several times for a short period of time for a long time. With compressed sensing, the amount of data required for high-quality diagnostic imaging is significantly reduced, allowing patients to breathe freely and receive contrasting high-resolution abdominal images in the process.

According to Rice University professor Richard Baraniuk, modern MRI devices use mathematical algorithms created back in the 1930s and provide scans for up to 45 minutes, while patients need to lie motionless, which is not easy for children and people in severe pain.

The new technology will also help patients with heart problems. Previously, the low quality of diagnosis did not allow many such patients to benefit from MRI of the heart, but now it is possible to register the entire heart cycle in real time in one breath-exhalation, - said Baranyuk.

Compressed sensing could find applications outside of medicine - for example, in radar and security systems - through rapid information processing and the creation of quality images from fewer input, he said.

 Rice University Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Kevin Kelly adds that by October 2017, his lab is also using the technology in nonlinear optical microscopy.

The publication Phys.org writes that Baranyuk and Kelly have been researching compressed sensing technology for a long time. Back in 2006, they created the world's first single-pixel camera, which was proof of the technology's effectiveness. According to scientists, their development is a "big victory" for medicine.

Richard Baranyuk, left, and Kevin Kelly

In 2016, Siemens Healthineers introduced MRI scanners using compressed sensing mechanisms, thanks to which the company achieved accelerated sampling for imaging, high imaging resolution and reduced time for the entire scanning procedure.

It's great to see that the idea has moved from theory to practice, which will improve the lives of patients around the world, Baranyuk and Kelly said in a joint statement.[6]

Using MRI to Determine Tendency to Depression

At the end of March 2017, scientists from the University of Texas talked about technology that allows us to identify a tendency to depression using magnetic resonance imaging and artificial intelligence.

Researchers are using a supercomputer to perfect a machine learning algorithm to look for common traits in people who may develop depression. To do this, MRI images of the brain, gene data and other necessary information are loaded into the computer system.

Tendency to depression learned to determine using MRI and artificial intelligence

The technology under test is called Support Vector Machine Learning. It provides a computer with a set of training examples describing the signs characteristic of healthy people and patients with depression.

During the study, data from the brains of 52 people with a mental disorder and 45 healthy people were analyzed. For the accuracy of the experiment, people divided into groups according to age and gender were compared.

Based on the results of the diffusion tensor MRI process, the scientists compared the level of fractional anisotropy showing the presence and density of white matter (that is, clusters of nerve cells) inside the brain.

The results of the study confirmed the assumption of scientists that by analyzing the maps of fractional anisotropy, the risk of developing depression can be determined. The scale and complexity of the study did not allow the team to manually revise all medical images, so machine learning was used to automate the process, the portal notes DOTmed.com.

David Schnyer, lead researcher, cognitive neuroscientist and professor at the University of Texas, says that the results are promising, but they cannot yet be used as a means for clinical measurements. The algorithm will be able to perform much better after increasing the number of genomic data processed, Schneier said.^[7]

Europe saw danger in gadolinium-based contrast agents

In March 2017, the European regulator proposed to remove several gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) from the market due to concerns that the substance remains in the human body after magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We are talking about the most common drugs in medical imaging. Read more here.

Effects of MRI on human DNA

On February 14, 2017, AuntMinnie.com published an article on the effect of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on human DNA. Scientists have been studying this issue for several years, but they managed to find little evidence of the negative impact of MRI machines on the human genetic apparatus.

About 10 studies were studied, six of which were published from 2013 to 2016. Two of them provide data on DNA damage (genotoxicity) from MRI, in other works opposite conclusions were made.

MRI machine

In our opinion, the danger has not been proven, "says John Mulder, Ph.D., professor emeritus of radiation oncology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. - Of course, we are not advocates for patients to forgo useful medical imaging because of this as-yet hypothetical problem.

The widespread use of X-ray computed tomography in clinical practice raises concerns related to the effects of small doses of radiation on the body. In 2015, scientists at the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute reported that diagnostic procedures can lead to damage to the DNA of cells, to mutations that entail the development of tumors.

The magnetic resonance imaging procedure, which is used to visualize and diagnose the state of the entire body, exposes patients to radiation at least 150 times more powerful than occurs with chest X-rays, the researchers noted.

At the same time, according to John Mulder, studies conducted from 2007 to 2016 showed mixed results of genotoxicity in MRI, and the work itself was small enough, they lacked measurements and comparisons. As for the potential side effects from MRI, the studies mainly focused on radio frequencies, static and gradient fields, he noted.^[8]

MRI risks for patients with implantable pumps

On January 11, 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an official warning for patients using implantable infusion pumps. They are advised to carefully undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The FDA published a document that talked about possible problems in the operation of infusion pumps after MRI examinations. In particular, the pump motor can be stopped without the possibility of restarting and incorrect dosing of medicines - excessive or insufficient, as well as the unintentional formation of lumps of drugs in the devices.

Implantable infusion pump operation

Implantable infusion devices, usually installed in the abdominal region, are used for planned administration of drugs at a given speed and at a certain period of time. Pumps can be used for chemotherapy, antibiotic therapy, rehydration, as well as the administration of antiviral drugs and painkillers. The drugs may be administered intravenously, intraarterially, epidurally subcutaneously or intramuscularly.

The FDA urges doctors and patients to carefully check whether MRI scans can be performed safely when using certain pumps. To do this, first of all, you need to pay attention to the marking of the pump: in the instructions or on the device itself, the designation MR-Conditional should be.

Importantly, each model of implantable pumps may have unique requirements that must be met for safe MRI examination. Otherwise, it could lead to serious injury or death, the FDA said in a statement.

The Food and Drug Administration is separately asking specialists in the field of radiation diagnostics to carefully assess the risks and the need for MRI scans for patients who use all kinds of medical devices.^[9]

2016

International Safety Rules for MRI

In July 2016, a group of leading international organizations specializing in radiological diagnostics presented a draft safety requirements for medical institutions when using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The document, published on the website of the Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, lists the responsibilities and requirements for the heads of the MRI research laboratory, directors and safety experts for MRI examinations. These individuals will be required to have a high level of training in all aspects related to MRI, advanced knowledge of the technology, and the ability to monitor the coordination of the patient scanning process.

The head of the MRI laboratory will have to monitor the safe conduct of examinations of each patient at any time of the day and night, be responsible for the operation of more than one MRI apparatus and be always in touch for MRI operators, medical technologists and radiologists.

The role of MRI Safety Lead may be delegated to a Radiology Laboratory Assistant, MRI Technologist, or other qualified professional who will be able to be in touch 24 hours per day 7 days per week, providing proper medical directions and procedures. In addition, the MRI safety officer will have to ensure that facility staff working with magnetic resonance imaging are fully aware of safety measures and behavior in emergency situations.

A group of leading international organizations specializing in radiological diagnostics presented draft safety requirements for medical institutions when using magnetic resonance imaging

Finally, an MRI safety expert may be a physicist or other person with technical expertise in the art. It will require highly qualified advice on engineering, scientific and administrative issues of the safe use of MRI equipment. He or she must necessarily have a medical education or experience in the part of dispensing prescription drugs or in other non-MRI aspects.

This long and necessary document finally presents a set of recommendations on how to create the right organizational structure for managing safety in MRI, as well as clear distribution of roles and responsibilities, says one of the authors of the project, Fernando Calamante, Ph.D., working at the Institute of Neurology and Mental Health (Victoria, Australia). - It is important to note that this document is agreed by leading MRI organizations around the world, so it has strong relevance and practical effectiveness for the recommended structure.

Tobias Gilk, senior vice president of radiological planning and founder of Gilk Radiology Consultants, notes that the rules developed in the MRI community have a wide coverage both in terms of geography and markets for which the new standards are designed.

The industry is guarding itself. We understand that we need to define roles and responsibilities in order to protect patients and protect institutions from the risks associated with MRI safety, Gilk notes.

These guidelines, created several years, have become a necessity due to the increase in the number of side effects that occur after magnetic resonance imaging. In 2004, 40 such incidents were recorded in the United States, and in 2012 this number increased to 164, according to data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the special database MAUDE (User Facility Device Experience), which contains information about complications in operations and medical examinations.

Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has issued a directive on the limit values of electric and magnetic fields affecting health professionals. Europe has instructed the MRI community to develop its own rules and effective professional training programs for specialists in this area.

The AuntMinne.com portal notes that by mid-July 2016, it is unclear how well X-ray departments and medical imaging centers are familiar with MRI safety issues and are able to follow new safety instructions.

Fernando Calamante says it is difficult to judge the experience of an institution, as they differ greatly from each other in their knowledge of MRI safety, organizational structure, procedures used to ensure security and resources.^[10]

Confirmation of the effect of prayer on alcoholics

At the end of March 2016, the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse published the results of a study showing that prayers help reduce alcohol cravings in people with this bad habit. This conclusion was reached by specialists from the Langon Medical Center at the University of New York after conducting a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure for the brains of former alcoholics.

The researchers analyzed 20 members of one of the Alcoholics Anonymous clubs who had been drinking for more than one year. During the experiment, they were asked to read out special prayers developed by the Society of Alcoholics Anonymous after viewing images related to drinking (bottles of alcohol, the process of drinking alcohol, etc.).

MRI scan proved prayer's ability to relieve alcoholism

Alcoholics Anonymous prayed for a week after the desire to drink appeared. They acknowledged that prayers drastically reduced cravings for alcohol, generating indifference to it. The same was shown by the results of MRI of the brain.

According to the scientists, the MRI data demonstrated positive changes in the prefrontal cortex, which controls attention, as well as the area responsible for controlling emotions.

The passion for drinking among members of the Alcoholics Anonymous Society after prayer decreased compared to patients who stopped drinking for a certain period of time, but are susceptible to re-drinking, "said Mark Galanter, author of the study, professor of psychiatry and head of the Department of Addiction at New York University.

According to him, the results of the experiment open up a new direction of research related to the influence of religion on physiology, and will also help develop effective methods for treating alcoholism and other diseases.^[11]

Creating Siemens Fast MRI Software

In March 2016, Siemens Healthcare introduced new software that can speed up magnetic resonance imaging in neurology. Read more here.

Accumulation of gadolinium in the brain in MRI

In early 2016, Europe began to actively discuss the negative impact of gadolinium when used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is assumed that this rare earth metal can accumulate in brain tissues and cause serious diseases. Read more about the problem here.

Notes